Cardinals pitcher Michael Wacha couldn't replicate his excellent Game 2 performance Wednesday, giving up six earned runs on five hits and four walks (two intentionally to David Ortiz) with five strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings as the Cardinals ended their World Series hopes with a 6-1 loss to the Red Sox in Game 6.
Wacha started the game with two strikeouts and a walk to David Ortiz in the first inning before putting the first two men of the second inning on base. However, he got the next three batters out to keep the Red Sox off the board after two innings.
Wacha wasn't so fortunate in the third, loading the bases after hitting a batter and giving up a three-run double to Shane Victorino with two outs in the inning. He didn't pitch much better in the fourth, giving up a solo home run and a double before intentionally walking David Ortiz for a second time and being pulled after 3 2/3 innings with men on first and third, both of whom would come around to score
Wacha was incredible over his first four postseason starts, giving up just three earned runs in 27 innings, but he couldn't put together one more gem when his team needed it most. Still, his future in St. Louis looks incredibly bright after going 4-1 with a 2.64 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 33:12 K:BB ratio in 30 2/3 innings over five postseason starts.