Rosenthal growing into efficient, effective closer

ST. LOUIS -- Cardinals closer Trevor Rosenthal recorded his third save in as many days Saturday in a 4-1 victory over Atlanta. It was his 13th save of the season.

"I think it's just that aggressive mentality and making sure he's ready when he gets out there," manager Mike Matheny said. "He's altered his warmup process a little bit to where when he walks out there, he's ready to go."

Rosenthal has certainly been ready to go in the first two games of the Atlanta series. He retired all six batters he faced with four strikeouts. Rosenthal closed out Saturday's victory with three-pitch strikeouts against Chris Johnson and B.J. Upton.

"I haven't had a whole lot of experience, so every day is a learning experience for me," Rosenthal said. "There have been some things I have been working on, but generally it's the same idea of just trying to figure out a way to get the job done, doing whatever I can to get ready and to come in and do my best. Ups and downs are part of the game. I try to go out there and keep the same demeanor, make pitches and hope for the best."