Holliday a hit right off bat for Cardinals

Matt Holliday wanted to join his new team quickly, so he hopped a train. The three-time All-Star, traded to St. Louis by Oakland on Friday, was in New York with the A’s when he learned of the deal. To avoid traffic, he chose a train to Philadelphia over a car ride down congested I-95.

He got to Citizens Bank Park in time for the game, then had an immediate effect, batting cleanup and going four for five in the Cardinals’ 8-1 win over the Phillies in a battle of division leaders.

“I’m extremely excited to be back in the National League, to be back in a pennant race,” Holliday said.