M. Carpenter faithful to plate approach in mini-slump

ST. LOUIS -- Matt Carpenter went from streak to slump in a matter of days, but thankfully for the Cardinals second baseman, the latter was short-lived.

His 18-game hitting streak was snapped on June 11, which started a seven-game stretch in which Carpenter went 3-for-26, before he got back on track with a 2-for-4 night on Wednesday.

"Honestly, the two games before tonight, I feel like I hit the ball harder," Carpenter said. "Had nothing to show for it, and I hit some balls soft tonight and got a couple hits. I mean, that's just the way the game goes. You go through stretches. The key to this deal, if you just stick with your approach and ride it out throughout the whole season and never alter from it, I think you'll be happy with the results."

Carpenter is second on the team in hitting entering Thursday's game (.314) , trailing only Yadier Molina, who leads the Majors with a .365 average. Before Wednesday, Carpenter had been without a hit for three straight games, tying his longest stretch of the season.

"Ask anybody that plays this game, it's just inevitable," Carpenter said. "You're going to go through your 0-for-20s, but the key is, can you manage it to where it doesn't steam role and get into a deal where it's a month long. That's the key. You just keep batting and keep going out there and putting together good at-bats."