No need for a cab, Everth is running like the wind

SAN DIEGO -- Shortstop Everth Cabrera stole three bases during Sunday's game against Washington to run his Major League-leading total to 18 on the season.

It was his fourth time he's had three stolen bases in a game. Entering Monday here against St. Louis, Cabrera had also swiped a bag in a career-high five consecutive games, which was tied for the longest streak in the league this season with Milwaukee's Jean Segura (April 19-23)

"Right now is the best I've ever felt in my life in the big leagues," Cabrera said before the Cardinals game. "I feel strong, fast, I feel focused -- that's most important. I feel really focused during the game."

Cabrera came up limping after a first-inning single during Sunday's game, and it appeared -- for a moment, at least -- that he could be limited on the base paths. But after a short delay, he proved he was fine.

Cabrera said he's never had a problem getting a great jump, but now he's taking a bigger lead than he was at the beginning of the year. Since April 14, he's been thrown out only once in 17 attempts.

"Just more relaxed and just waiting for the good moment to go," Cabrera said.

He's also getting more opportunities to steal bases because he's enjoying much more success at the plate. Cabrera had reached base in 13 of his last 27 plate appearances entering Monday, with 10 hits and three walks.

"Just more and more patient at the plate," he said. "But at the same time, aggressive when I want to be aggressive."