First hit in books, Grichuk 'enjoying moment'

ST. LOUIS -- On Wednesday, a day after collecting his first Major League single by lining a ball into left field, Randal Grichuk was still waiting to receive the keepsake. He had not, though, fallen for his teammates' prank.

The Cardinals requested the ball after Grichuk's second-inning hit, and it was eventually rolled into the dugout. There it got into the hands of infielder Daniel Descalso, who then flipped a ball into the stands, making it look like he hadn't realized that he was supposed to keep the ball for Grichuk. The execution was impressive. Only problem was, Grichuk wasn't paying attention.

"I got on first and didn't even see it," Grichuk said. "I picked up [third-base coach Jose Oquendo] and didn't even see it. I saw it on the replay after the game. It was pretty fun."

Rumor is that the ball from his first hit is in safe keeping with assistant trainer Chris Conroy. Grichuk said he'll probably send it home to his parents once he finally gets his hand on it.

Grichuk went 1-for-5 while making his first Major League start on Tuesday. He was not in the Cardinals' starting lineup on Wednesday, but the right-handed-hitting outfielder will give manager Mike Matheny an intriguing option against Cubs lefty Travis Wood on Friday. Grichuk was batting .400 against lefties in Triple-A before his callup on Monday.

"I really don't feel like it's sunk in yet," Grichuk said. "With those extra-inning games, coming back, going to sleep, coming back to the field, my family is here -- I haven't really had the chance to sit down and think about [all that's happened]. When that moment comes, I'll see how it feels. Right now, I'm just enjoying the moment."