ST. LOUIS (BaseballStL) – With the Cardinals already in the playoff picture, it was time for Shelby Miller to make his first Major League start in his career.
Miller carved through a Reds lineup that was filled with its everyday starters and, unlike the Reds, the Cardinals elected to field a team of everyday bench players which included Skip Schumaker hitting third in the lineup.
The right-hander didn’t give up his first hit until the sixth inning with two outs when Wilson Valdez hit a bloop single to right field.
After getting the third out in the sixth, Miller was relieved by Sam Freeman. His final line read: 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K.
It has been a topsy-turvy journey to the big leagues for Miller after a horrendous start at Triple-A Memphis this year. Miller posted a 4-8 record with a 6.17 ERA in 17 starts before the All-Star break. He rebounded in his next ten starts compiling a 7-2 record with a 2.88 ERA.
The hard throwing right-hander posted a 1-0 record with a 2.35 ERA in five relief appearances with the Cardinals prior to Wednesday’s start.
