In 2006, Wainwright became the Cardinals’ closer at the end of that World Series championship season when Jason Isringhausen got hurt. He has started ever since, with the exception of some relief appearances at the end of 2015. Martinez, anointed the ace to replace Wainwright, has gone from Opening Day starter to middle-inning reliever to closer this year in an injury-pocked season for him.
So it was that Martinez was on the mound for the ninth and 10 innings Saturday, notably striking out three hitters in the 10th inning. In the process, he had to pitch around a double error by first baseman Matt Carpenter, who compounded one mistake in missing a ball with another by throwing it away.