This game had everything except extra-base hits. Another reason why baseball is the greatest...fans don't need to see ten guys "go yard" to have a bone-chilling game.
The truth, which is why I don't completely respect Johnson as a National league manager.
Today is just one day, but he had leadoff batters on most innings and didn't sacrifice once to move them along, and since you can't steal against Molina, you are reliant totally on the long ball. Eventually, knowing he can't hit, Espi bunts on his own and at least moves Desmond to second. What happens next? Moore's clutch hit wins the game because Desmond was at second.
Johnson had nothing to do with the win. In fact, he wanted Cahd up instead of Tyler and only switchd because the Cards brought in a lefty. He lucked out.
But, yeah, baseball is wonderfully complex.