ST. LOUIS -- Optimism bubbled as Busch Stadium emptied late Tuesday night. The Cardinals had run their winning streak to four and just battered one of the American League's top starting pitchers.
It gave the Cardinals a glimpse of what they could be. What they are, however, is still a work in progress.
Since landing that knockout punch against Indians ace Corey Kluber, the Cardinals have played from behind. Their offense, boosted on Sunday by a relieved Tommy Pham, made a spirited effort to flip the game late, but St.