Cardinals throw a curve in the ninth, turn to Norris for save

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CINCINNATI • As the Cardinals steamed toward another routine victory at Great American Ball Park, right down to the standard-issue home run and three RBIs from Cincy’s favorite villain Yadier Molina, the manager had a surprise left for the ninth inning. With the first save opportunity since $14 million reliever and advertised closer Greg Holland arrived, signed and sealed, the Cardinals instead asked Bud Norris to deliver. Norris admitted that he wasn’t sure he would be used in the ninth until the call came, and once he left, the bullpen went still. Two Reds reached base against him, and Holland, the free agent signed to be the Cardinals’ answer to their biggest question, only started stretching.

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