Absent for two days to recover from a groin injury that traces back to his toe injury and compromised his swing, All-Star's pinch-hit double downs Rockies, 3-2.

That's when Brendan Donovan came in and saved the day. Playing in his first action since Friday with a groin injury, Donovan doubled down the right field line, scoring two runs, and giving the Cardinals a 3-2 lead over the Colorado Rockies.

ST. LOUIS — Brendan Donovan had every intention of returning to the St. Louis Cardinals’ lineup Monday. The team’s lone All-Star had missed two games with nagging groin discomfort but was hopeful he’d be available — even for one at-bat — in Monday’s series opener against the Colorado Rockies. He sure picked the right time.