Finnegan struck out seven while allowing just two runs on five hits and a walk over seven innings against the the Cardinals on Thursday.
The pitching line doesn't show Finnegan's wild pitch and balk, but even with those, this was an outstanding effort against an imposing St. Louis offense. Unfortunately, Adam Wainwright looked like his old self on the other side, keeping Finnegan from winning. Nonetheless, he's now turned in three quality starts in his last four outings, pitching at least into the seventh inning each time. That's a big improvement for Finnegan, who'd failed to complete six frames in five of his first nine starts this season. He has a good opportunity to keep the good times rolling Tuesday against Atlanta.