An exchange of big innings swings the Cardinals way
Game Result
The Guardians tattoo Miles Mikolas in the 4th inning to the tune of 6 runs, but the Cardinals pepper the Guardians’ bullpen to overcome the 5-run deficit, swinging their way a game that had a 96% loss probability in the 5th. Svanson, Matz, Maton and Helsley completed the last five innings in scoreless fashion.
Pre-game Notes
- The Cardinals seek to return, again, to their season high point of eight games over .500
- Jordan Walker starts a rehab assignment today.
Line-up (and roster) Machinations
- Cecconi, a righty, for the Guardians. Mikolas for the Cardinals.
- After yesterday’s gem by Gray, everyone in the bullpen should be hot today.
- Pozo at C. Gorman at third. Arenado to DH.
The Game
Donovan led off the game with a first pitch HR. A nice start. Winn followed with a hit and looked quite promising. But Cecconi settled quickly and pretty much mowed through the line-up (until he didn’t). Mikolas came out hot, piling up strikeouts (5) in the first three innings while keeping his pitch count very low. But the Guardians caught up with his curveball and tattooed Mikolas for six runs including 3 HR in a stadium that harshly suppresses them.
Svanson came in and restored order. Meanwhile, the Cardinals finally got to Cecconi for a couple runs in the 5th inning, which included a key opposite field 2-RBI hit from Burleson. In the sixth, the Cardinals peppered multiple Guardian relievers for 5 more runs, stringing together singles (and one double by Scott) to regain the lead 8-6.
Matz and Maton worked together to carry the game to Helsley. Not without just a bit of drama from Maton, who loaded the bases in the 8th before getting a crucial K that itself had a 15% WPA swing.
Contreras popped a ninth inning HR (430 feet) to pad the lead. Helsley finished with an efficient ninth inning.
Post-game Notes
- Scott’s bunting form needs work
- Svanson touched 98 today with his FB. He has looked equal to the task, and brings some needed heat to the relief corp. His sinker rides in on RH batters pretty well, too.
- Nootbar re-injured his side in the ninth inning. He talked his way back into the game, but…