DOWNTOWN — Almost three years to the date before the St. Louis Cardinals current outfielder phenom Colby Rasmus was born in Georgia, a once- and always-young Cardinals lefthanded-hitting phenom rookie was about to launch a game-winning home run in the 10th inning.

Andy Van Slyke, starting at third base and batting No. 3, already had three runs scored and two hits when he came to the plate in the 10th inning of the August 18, 1983 game against the Houston Astros. At Busch Stadium II, Van Slyke drilled a pitch from Bill Dawley for a walk-off winner in the 5-4 victory for the Cardinals. Three years later, on August 11, 1986, Rasmus was born and 22 1/2 years later Rasmus would be come the first Cardinals rookie since Van Slyke to hit another walk-off home run.

Rasmus’ came Wednesday night against San Francisco in a 2-1 victory. His at-bat got two calls from the governor. First, when a foul popup was dropped for an error. Second, when an on-the-edge pitch was called a ball. Rasmus hit the ninth pitch of his at-bat against Bob Howry out of the ballpark — an estimated 414 feet.

A day earlier, Rasmus, recovering from a stomach ailment that kept him out of the starting lineup, sat in the dugout to talk with me about the adjustments he’s had to make this season and how he uses video to scout pitchers. Yogurt and bananas have helped rest his stomach. Getting a feel for how pitchers are now attacking him has calmed his at-bats. He talked about the pitcher he’s had the most difficult time facing this season, and, finally, the pitcher he’s most looking forward to facing this season …

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