Villanueva struggles as Cards edge Brews, 5-4

If Dave Bush made Ned Yost’s decision more difficult, Carlos Villanueva may have made it a whole lot easier Tuesday night.
The Cardinals took the second game of the series–thus ensuring the Brewers the series loss–by the score of 5-4. Despite a poor outing by Villanueva, the Crew had the tying run on second in the top of the ninth, but could not plate him.
Villanueva allowed two runs in the first, another Cards’ run in the second, followed by two more in the fifth before giving way to the bullpen: Villanueva lasted 4 2/3 IP, allowed 8 hits and 2 walks leading to all 5 runs being earned. Villanueva fanned none, and raised his ERA for the season to 6.19, thus greatly increasing his chances that Ned Yost will opt to send Villanueva down once Yovani Gallardo returns.
The Crew collected 8 hits on the night–just one apiece by each of the first seven batters, and another by Craig Counsell when he game in to pinch hit; only Counsell’s and J.J. Hardy’s were for extra bases–both doubles.
Manny Parra tries to make Ned Yost’s decision easier Thursday afternoon.