Corbin Burnes makes history, but loses first start after returning from COVID as Cardinals shutout Brewers, 2-0

Box Score

If there was any question as to whether or not Corbin Burnes would be a little rusty after missing two weeks of action, he answered it with another terrific outing today in the series finale between the St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers.

Burnes — who admittedly refused to get vaccinated despite the fact that more than 85% of his teammates have, then contracted an asymptomatic case of COVID-19 — last pitched on April 26th, but was able to work out and continue throwing while he going through the protocols. He allowed a single to Tommy Edman leading off the game that eventually came around to score a first inning run, but that was it during across five innings and 78 pitches. He did get some thanks to a runner thrown out at the plate, but otherwise allowed just five hits and the one run. In the second inning, Harrison Bader punched out for Burnes’ 52nd strikeout of the year, setting a new MLB record for most strikeouts to begin a season without allowing a walk. Burnes would run it up to 58 strikeouts — nine punchies on the day — before the streak finally came to an end in the fifth inning when Edman drew a five-pitch walk.

Unfortunately, it was another listless day for the Brewers’ offense, so that one run was all St. Louis would have needed to win this game. Milwaukee managed just five hits, two by shortstop Luis Urias. In the second, Travis Shaw led off with a double and was stranded at second. In the third, Urias reached second with one out (after a sac bunt by Burnes) and was stranded there. In the fourth, Dan Vogelbach and Omar Narvaez both walked but didn’t get past second base. In the 6th, Vogelbach hit a leadoff double and was unable to ever advance. In the ninth, Manny Pina lead off with a walk and moved to second on a two-out single by Urias, but then Alex Reyes struck out Tyrone Taylor to end the game. The Brewers went 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position during the contest.

The Cardinals got an insurance run in the ninth off Angel Perdomo, who walked three batters in his inning of work, and wound up winning the game by a score of 2-0. Drew Rasmussen tossed a scoreless inning for the Brewers and Brent Suter put up a pair of zeroes in this one. Craig Counsell also got tossed in the third inning arguing a foul ball call at first base. The Brewers welcome Atlanta to town tomorrow, with first pitch of game one scheduled for 7:10 PM central. Adrian Houser will take on Drew Smyly.