Cardinals’ Struggles: The Biggest Reason Revealed
It’s no secret that the Cardinals have been struggling lately. But what exactly is the biggest reason behind their recent downfall? Well, it’s actually pretty simple to identify.
In their recent game, the Cardinals’ starting pitcher, Gray, allowed a whopping nine runs. This was the most runs he has ever allowed in a single start in his entire career. And unfortunately, this was just the latest in a string of poor performances from the Cardinals’ starting rotation.
get the start in the final game of the series on Sunday, facing the Diamondbacks for the first time in his career.
The Cardinals Struggle Continues: Outscored 44-17 in First Three Innings in Last 14 Games
PHOENIX – The Cardinals’ recent struggles have been hard to ignore, with a record of 4-10 in their last 14 games. But the most concerning aspect has been their inability to keep up in the first three innings, being outscored 44-17 in that stretch.
Sonny Gray’s performance on Saturday night against the Diamondbacks only highlighted this issue. The Cardinal’s starter allowed nine runs, eight of which were earned, and only recorded 10 outs before being pulled from the game. This was just the latest in a string of poor starts from the team’s pitchers.
On Friday night, Andre Pallante allowed five runs in the opening game of the series. And over the last 14 games, dating back to June 30, the Cardinals’ starters have given up a total of 56 earned runs in just 66 innings, resulting in an alarming ERA of 7.64.
Gray and Miles Mikolas are the only starters to have picked up a win in the last two weeks, and even then, only once has a Cardinal starter managed to pitch seven innings. In fact, in the last five games, no starter has lasted more than 4 2/3 innings.
Saturday Night’s Game Breakdown
At the Plate: Despite Masyn Winn’s impressive three-hit performance, the Cardinals were only able to muster seven hits in total. Their lone run came from a home run by Alec Burleson in the sixth inning, his 12th of the year. However, the team struggled with runners in scoring position, going 0-for-7 in those situations.
On the Mound: Gray’s rough outing allowed the Diamondbacks to take an early lead, with three runs scored in the first inning and two more in the second. He also gave up another home run to Eugenio Suarez in the third before being pulled in the fourth. Gordon Graceffo did his best to keep the Diamondbacks from adding to their lead, but the final run was scored off John King in the eighth.
Key Stat: Gray’s road ERA this season is a concerning 5.84, compared to his impressive 2.84 ERA at home.
Worth Noting: Corbin Carroll, who had been struggling against the Cardinals this season, had a breakout game with two triples and a double. Additionally, Thomas Saggese was recalled from Memphis after being optioned to the Triple A club just one day prior. He replaced Nolan Gorman, who was placed on the IL with a sore back.
Up Next
Miles Mikolas will take the mound in the final game of the series on Sunday, facing the Diamondbacks for the first time in his career.
