The Cardinals’ Impressive Record Shattered by a Surprising Turn of Events
In a season filled with victories, the St. Louis Cardinals were known for their strong performance when leading after the seventh inning. With a record of 41 wins and only one loss in these situations, they seemed unbeatable. However, in a shocking turn of events, relief pitcher Maton gave up a three-run homer to Sean Murphy, breaking his streak of not allowing a home run in exactly one year. This unexpected turn of events flipped the game in favor of the Atlanta Braves, giving them a 6-5 lead.
e Cardinals have the 18th pick
The Cardinals’ Dominance Falters in Late Innings, Braves Take the Win
ST. LOUIS – The Cardinals’ impressive record of 41-1 when leading after the seventh inning was shattered on Saturday as they fell to the Braves 6-5 at Busch Stadium. Despite a strong start, the Cardinals were unable to hold onto their lead in the late innings.
Phil Maton and Ryan Helsley were set to close out the game for the Cardinals, but a three-run homer from Sean Murphy in the eighth inning turned the tide in favor of the Braves. This was the first home run Maton had allowed in a year, and it was Murphy’s third homer in the first two games of the series.
The Cardinals were able to tie the game in the bottom of the eighth thanks to three walks and a wild pitch, but Helsley gave up two singles in the ninth, ultimately leading to the Braves’ winning run.
Game Recap
The Cardinals got off to a strong start with a three-run homer from Nolan Gorman in the second inning, followed by a solo homer from Yohel Pozo in the sixth to break the 3-3 tie. Brendan Donovan also contributed with an RBI single in the seventh, increasing the Cardinals’ lead to 5-3.
However, the Braves were able to chip away at the lead, with home runs from Ronald Acuna Jr. and Marcell Ozuna in the first two innings off of Cardinals pitcher Erick Fedde. Fedde pitched into the fifth inning, allowing all three of the Braves’ runs.
The Cardinals’ bullpen struggled in the late innings, with Gordon Graceffo giving up no hits in his 1 2/3 innings of relief, but Maton and Helsley were unable to hold off the Braves’ offense.
Key Stats and Notes
The Cardinals had not allowed a home run in the eighth or ninth inning since June 14, but Murphy’s homer off of Maton broke that streak. This was only the 14th home run allowed by the Cardinals in the eighth or ninth inning this season.
Both Nolan Arenado and Lars Nootbaar were unable to play in Saturday’s game due to injuries, and it is unlikely they will be in the lineup for Sunday’s game. Matt Svanson was also optioned to Memphis after his strong performance on Friday.
The Cardinals’ top prospect, JJ Wetherholt, played in the Futures Game on Saturday and doubled in his first at-bat before striking out in his second at-bat. The MLB Draft will also begin on Sunday night, with the Cardinals holding the 18th pick.
