Cardinals search for stability in bullpen

MILWAUKEE — A spectacular 13-strikeout performance from Carlos Martinez finished largely as a subscript, as the Cardinals pulled out a 6-5 victory over Milwaukee by mustering some late-game heroics.

Those late-inning runs were necessary after another night of shaky relief from a Cardinals’ bullpen still in search of stabilization. Matt Bowman and Kevin Siegrist, two of manager Mike Matheny’s most trusted relievers, squandered a two-run lead, as the St. Louis ‘pen labored for the third straight day.

“We’re a little beat up in the ‘pen,” Matheny acknowledged afterward. “Guys keep taking the ball, but you can tell it’s the dog days. We’re around the corner from maybe getting another arm or so. But right now, we just have to push.”

With September callups may come more options, but the Cardinals also hope for a second wind from those they have. Trevor Rosenthal is sidelined until further notice with right shoulder trouble and Alex Reyes has moved to the rotation, which means Matheny’s late-inning options have thinned.

It also …

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