Matt Adams had earned this. "Big City" was balling.

The Cardinals' lefthanded hitting first baseman had been on fire in May, averaging .377 with a .431 on-base percentage and a .679 slugging percentage.

His week had been even better. Since last Thursday, he was 11 for 21 with two doubles, three homers and nine RBI.

"I don't think there's any secret behind it," Adams said Wednesday afternoon, before the Cards left for the Capitol.

"I'm getting some good pitches to hit right now, and I'm not missing them. I'm getting some at-bats, too. That helps too with the comfort level."

Manager Mike Matheny rewarded Adams on Thursday night. He penciled in Adams for the 3-hole in his lefty-heavy lineup against Nationals righthander Joe Ross. Adams singled to left field against the shift in his second at-bat. Then he was gone, a victim of a tight back the club should know more about Friday. Anything that robs Adams of at-bats could threaten this surge.

"Me being comfortable in the box is what I'm happiest about right now," Adams said Wednesday. "I'm seeing the ball pretty well, putting some good swings together."