The St. Louis Cardinals system was 3-2 on Tuesday. The Cardinal Nation’s Player of the Day, Peoria RF Joshua Baez, was 4-for-4 with two home runs, a double, a walk, four RBI and three runs scored. Other standouts include Leonardo Bernal, Zach Levenson, Cade McGee and Sammy Hernandez.
The Triple-A Redbirds fell to the Jumbo Shrimp by a 6-3 score in Jacksonville on Tuesday. Starter Ian Bedell pitched 3 2/3 innings, gave up five runs on six hits, struck out three and walked two and took the loss.
Michael Gomez relieved Bedell and threw 1 2/3 scoreless innings. Nick Anderson hurled 2/3 of a scoreless inning. Ryan Fernandez surrendered one run in the seventh. Riley O’Brien tossed a scoreless eighth.
Jacksonville took a 5-0 lead in the fourth inning. Memphis responded with two runs in the fifth. Jimmy Crooks singled. Ryan Vilade followed with a two-run home run to left center field.
— Memphis Redbirds (@memphisredbirds) May 21, 2025
The Redbirds added a run in the third to shrink the lead to 5-3. José Fermín drew a walk and stole second base. He advanced to third on a balk and scored on a single by Crooks.
The Jumbo Shrimp widened the lead to 6-3 in the seventh.
Memphis scored three runs on five hits. Crooks was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Vilade had two RBI.
On the bases, Bryan Torres stole his fourth base of the season. Fermín swiped his 13th bag.
Memphis is 23-21 on the season and is in fifth place in the International League West, 3.5 games back of Indianapolis.
Wednesday’s game: at Jacksonville, Curtis Taylor RHP (1-0, 3.48) vs. TBD (JCK) 6:05 CT.
Sean Harney relieved Hansen and surrendered two runs in 1 2/3 innings. Osvaldo Berrios tossed the final 1 1/3 scoreless innings to earn his first save.
Springfield went up 1-0 in the first inning. Nathan Church doubled and later scored on a sac fly by Leonardo Bernal. The Cardinals added to the lead in the second with a solo home run by Jeremy Rivas.
The Cardinals increased the lead to 3-0 in the third. Church singled and scored on a double by Bernal. In the top of the fourth, the lead widened to 4-0 on a solo home run by Dakota Harris.
In the home fourth, Tulsa cut the lead to 4-2. In the seventh, Springfield put up three runs for a 7-2 lead. Church singled and stole second base. JJ Wetherholt drew a walk. Leonardo Bernal followed with a three-run home run.
Cardinals number six prospect Leonardo Bernal uncorks a no-doubt three-run shot to extend Springfield's lead. pic.twitter.com/zFMn7EfIVT
— Springfield Cardinals (@Sgf_Cardinals) May 21, 2025
The Drillers made it closer with a two-run eighth, but the Cardinals held on to win 7-4.
The offense scored seven runs on 16 hits. Bernal was 3-for-3 with five RBI. Rivas and Harris were each 2-for-5 with an RBI. Church was 3-for-5 with three runs scored. Chase Davis was 2-for-4. Darlin Moquete was 2-for-3.
On the bases, Church stole his fourth base of the season. Moquete was picked off first base. On defense, Hansen and Harris both made fielding errors. Hansen picked a runner off first base.
Springfield is 20-20 on the season and is tied for second place with NW Arkansas in the Texas League North, two games back of first-place Arkansas and Wichita.
Wednesday’s game: at Tulsa, Max Rajcic RHP (1-3, 4.65) vs. Jacob Meador RHP (0-3, 6.45) 7:00 CT.
The High-A Chiefs slayed the Dragons in a rain shortened 12-5 contest at Dozer Park on Tuesday. Starter Jose Davila pitched 4 2/3 innings, gave up two runs on two hits and fanned four.
Tyler Bradt surrendered three unearned runs in 1 1/3 relief innings and received the win. Jawilme Ramirez tossed the final two scoreless innings for his first save.
Peoria took the lead in the first inning on a two-run home run by Ian Petrutz. A Zach Levenson solo home run, and two run long ball by Joshua Baez in the second inning increased the lead to 5-0.
In the sixth, Levenson thumped his second solo home run to widen the lead to 7-5. The Chiefs blew up the score with five runs in the seventh to lead 12-5. Brayden Jobert hit a solo home run. Miguel Villarroel reached on an error, stole second and third base, then scored on a throwing error. Levenson walked and Tre Richardson followed with a two-run long ball. Trey Paige walked and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Paige came home on a single by Baez.
Peoria scored 12 runs on 12 hits. Baez was 4-for-4 with four RBI and three runs scored. Levenson was 2-for-3 with two RBI and three runs scored. Richardson was 2-for-4 with two RBI. Petrutz had two RBI.
The Chiefs offense hit seven total home runs to break the previous record of six home runs in a game at Dozer Park.
Villarroel stole two bases. Richardson and Petrutz were caught stealing. On defense, Villarroel made a throwing error.
Peoria is 16-23 on the season and is tied for fourth place in the Midwest League West with Wisconsin, 8.5 games back of Quad Cities.
Wednesday’s game: vs. Dayton, Hancel Rincon RHP (1-0, 3.66) vs. Nestor Lorant RHP (0-1, 5.70) 6:35 CT.
Ernie Day relieved Sparks and surrendered one run in 2/3 of an inning. Nelfy Ynfante tossed the final three scoreless innings with five strikeouts for his second save.
The Beach Birds went up 5-0 in the second inning. Josh Kross drew a walk. Cade McGee singled. Yordalin Pena plated Kross on a ground-rule double. Sammy Hernandez drove in McGee and Pena on single. Anyelo Encarnacion hit a two-run home run.
— Palm Beach Cardinals (@GoPBCardinals) May 20, 2025
Palm Beach added a run in the third to lead 6-0. Kross doubled and later scored on a hit by pitch. The Cardinals blew the game wide open in the fourth with six runs to lead 12-0. Christian Martin, Luis Pino and Kross walked to load the bases. Cade McGee hit a bases clearing double. Pena singled. Jose Suarez walked. Encarnacion walked and McGee scored. Pena came home when Travis Honeyman was hit by a pitch. Suarez scored on a balk.
Daytona finally got on the board with three runs in the sixth to shrink the lead to 12-3.
The Cardinals scored 12 runs on 10 hits. McGee was 2-for-4 with three RBI and two runs scored. Hernandez was 2-for-4 with three RBI. Pena was 3-for-5 with an RBI. Encarnacion drove in three.
On defense, Pino had an outfield assist at second base. Sparks picked a runner off first base.
Palm Beach is 20-20 on the season and is in second place in the Florida State League East, one game back of St. Lucie.
Wednesday’s game: vs. Daytona, RHP Brandt Thompson (1-2, 3.56) vs. Edgar Colon RHP (0-0, 3.86) 5:30 CT.
Andrew Bolivar relieved Menes and surrendered four runs in 2 2/3 innings. Bolivar took the loss. Bruno Lopez secured the final out of the seventh.
The game was scoreless until the Mets scored two runs in the sixth. They added two more runs in the seventh.
The Cardinals managed only two hits, singles by Daniel Rojas. The offense was 0-for-3 with runners in scoring position and left seven men on base.
Rojas stole his third base of the season. Yancel Guerrero was caught stealing. On defense, Paulo Asprilla made a throwing error.
The Cardinals are 5-7 on the season and are tied with the Mets for last place in the Florida Complex League East, 2.5 games back of the FCL Astros.
Wednesday’s game: Off
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photo: Ivan Herrera (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)
The surging St. Louis Cardinals finished a 7-2 road trip with two wins in three games in Kansas City. In the last week, Iván Herrera hit .524, second in the National League, with three doubles, a home run, five RBI and five runs scored. We again remember notable MLB debuts during this week in team history.
The St. Louis Cardinals edged the Philadelphia Phillies in the opener of a three-game series in Citizens Bank Park on Monday. Starter Matthew Liberatore pitched 5 1/3 innings, gave up two runs on seven hits, struck out four and walked one.
Kyle Leahy relieved Liberatore and threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings to earn his first win of 2025. JoJo Romero hurled 1/3 of a scoreless inning. Ryan Helsley tossed a scoreless ninth for his eighth save.
The Cardinals took a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth inning. Nolan Arenado and Iván Herrera walked. Arenado advanced to third on a wild pitch. Arenado scored on a force out by Pedro Pagés.
The Phillies tied the game in the home fourth. St. Louis went ahead 2-1 in the top of the sixth on a solo home run by Herrera.
The Phillies tied the game again in the bottom of the sixth. The Cardinals regained the lead 3-2 in the seventh on a solo home run by Masyn Winn.
The Cardinals scored three runs on five hits. Lars Nootbaar was 2-for-4. The offense was 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position and left six men on base.
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 – Cardinals at Phillies (postponed)
This game was postponed due to rain and was rescheduled as part of a doubleheader on Wednesday, May 14.
The Cardinals lost a one run decision to the Phillies in the first game of a twin bill on Wednesday. Starter Erick Fedde pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings, allowed three hits, struck out three and walked four.
Steven Matz relieved Fedde and surrendered two runs in 1 2/3 innings. Matz took the loss. Gordon Graceffo tossed the final 2/3 of a scoreless inning.
The game was scoreless until the top of the seventh, when the Cardinals broke through with one run. Iván Herrera doubled and scored on a single by Jordan Walker.
The Phillies answered with two runs in the home seventh and held on for the win.
The Cardinals scored one run on six hits. No Cardinal had multiples. Herrera’s double was the only extra base hit. The offense was 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position and left seven men on base.
Walker stole his third base of the season. Masyn Winn was picked off and caught stealing.
On defense, Victor Scott had an outfield assist at first base.
The Cardinals pounded the Phillies by a 14-7 score in the second game of the twin bill. Starter Sonny Gray pitched only 3 2/3 innings, gave up seven runs on eight hits, struck out eight and walked one.
The bullpen shut down the Phillies offense. John King relieved Gray and threw a scoreless inning. Chris Roycroft hurled 1 1/3 scoreless innings to earn the win. JoJo Romero, Phil Maton, and Matt Svanson each tossed a scoreless inning.
The Cardinals scored one run in the top of the first inning. Lars Nootbaar and Masyn Winn singled. Nootbaar came home on a ground out by Nolan Arenado.
The Phillies answered with five runs against Gray in the home first. In the top of the third, the Cardinals added five runs to lead 6-5. Nootbaar thumped a solo home run. Winn walked. Brendan Donovan plated Winn on a double. Donovan later scored on a ground out by Willson Contreras. Iván Herrera singled and Alec Burleson followed with a two-run home run.
The Phillies tied the game in the home third, but St. Louis regained the lead again with three runs in the top of the fourth. Winn hit a solo home run. Arenado, Contreras and Herrera singled. Burleson drove in Arenado and Contreras on a single. The Cardinals led 9-6.
In the home fourth, the Phillies cut the lead to 9-7. In the eighth, the Cardinals added three runs to make it 12-7. Victor Scott singled and stole second base. Winn singled to score Scott. Donovan walked. Arenado reached on an error. Winn came home on a wild pitch. Donovan crossed the plate on a sac fly by Contreras.
St. Louis increased the lead to 14-7 in the ninth. Burleson singled and Jordan Walker pinch ran. Nolan Gorman drew a walk. Scott flied into a force out with Gorman out at second. Scott stole second base. Nootbaar hit a sac fly and Walker scored. Scott came home on a single by Winn.
The Cardinals scored 14 runs on 19 hits. Burleson was 3-for-5 with four RBI. Winn was 4-for-5 with three RBI and three runs scored. Nootbaar was 2-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored. Donovan was 3-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored. Iván Herrera was 3-for-5. Scott scored two runs. Contreras had two RBI.
On the bases, Scott stole his 12th and 13th bases of the season.
The Cardinals walloped the Royals by a 10-3 score at Kauffman Stadium on Friday. Starter Andre Pallante pitched seven innings, gave up two runs on seven hits and struck out four to earn his fourth win.
Gordon Graceffo relieved Pallante and surrendered one run in the final two innings.
The Cardinals went up 1-0 in the second inning. Willson Contreras doubled, advanced to third on a ground out by Iván Herrera and scored on a wild pitch.
St. Louis added two runs in the top of the fourth to lead 3-0. Brendan Donovan doubled and scored on a double by Contreras. Herrera plated Contreras on a single.
The Royals scored single runs in the fourth and fifth to cut the Cards’ lead to 3-2.
St. Louis put up four runs in the sixth to widen the lead to 7-2. Masyn Winn and Donovan singled. Contreras reached on a fielder’s choice with an error. Herrera doubled to clear the bases. Pedro Pagés drove in Herrera on a single.
The Cardinals added another run in the top of the eighth to lead 8-2. Herrera doubled and scored on a single by Jordan Walker. Kansas City put up their third and final run in the bottom of the eighth to shrink the lead to 8-3.
St. Louis increased the lead to 10-3 in the ninth. Lars Nootbaar singled. Winn walked. Donovan singled and Nootbaar scored. Winn came home on a sac fly by Nolan Arenado.
The Cardinals scored 10 runs on 13 hits. Herrera was 3-for-4 with four RBI and two runs scored. Donovan was 3-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored. Contreras was 2-for-5 with an RBI and three runs scored. Nootbaar was 2-for-5. Winn scored two runs.
The Cardinals beat the Royals in a 1-0 shutout on Saturday. Starter Miles Mikolas pitched six scoreless innings, allowed two hits, fanned four and walked two to earn his third win.
Kyle Leahy relieved Mikolas and threw two scoreless innings. Ryan Helsley tossed a scoreless ninth for his ninth save.
The game was scoreless until the sixth inning, when Jordan Walker hit a solo home run. The Royals threatened in the eighth, but terrific infield defense kept the lead intact.
The Cardinals scored one run on two hits. Iván Herrera had the only other hit, a single.
The Cardinals were unable to complete the sweep, losing 2-1 to the Royals in the final game on Sunday. Starter Matthew Liberatore pitched six innings, gave up one run on six hits, fanned five and walked one.
The Cardinals went ahead 1-0 in the top of the fourth inning on a solo home run by Alec Burleson. The Royals quickly tied the game in the home fourth.
Chris Roycroft relieved Liberatore and surrendered one run in the seventh to take the loss. JoJo Romero threw a scoreless eighth.
The Cardinals scored one run on 12 hits. While the hits came, the team was unable to get the important hits with runners in scoring position. They were 0-for-8 in that category and left 13 runners on base.
The Big Picture
While the final game of the road trip was a disappointment, the road trip overall was a success. St. Louis went 7-2 over series against the Nationals, Phillies and Royals. The Nationals series was a sweep. The Cardinals have a record of 26-21 and remain in second place in the NL Central, two games back of the Cubs. They moved to as close as one game back but were unable to advance farther as the Cubs had a favorable schedule, going 5-1 over the last place Marlins and White Sox at Wrigley Field.
St. Louis’ offense was a highlight reel in many of the games, despite scoring only two runs in their final two games in Kansas City. They plated 24 runs over two games against the Phillies and Royals and began the road trip with three games in Washington in which they scored 20 total runs while giving up only three.
The top performers over the last seven days by OPS were Alec Burleson (1.400), Iván Herrera (1.393), Yohel Pozo (1.000 in four ABs), Brendan Donovan (.964), and Masyn Winn (.935). At the bottom were Pedro Pagés (.286), Nolan Arenado (.268), and Victor Scott (.217).
The starting pitching has been very good, other than one “clunker” start by Sonny Gray against the Phillies in which he didn’t make it out of the fourth inning and gave up seven runs. The remaining starters all had ERAs under 4.00 for the week. Erick Fedde and Miles Mikolas had 0.00 ERAs in their respective starts.
As for the bullpen, all was good as well despite one poor outing by Steven Matz, which was an outlier. Six relievers had ERAs of 0.00 last week – Ryan Helsley, John King, Kyle Leahy, Phil Maton, JoJo Romero, and Matt Svanson, who came up briefly as the 27th man for the doubleheader against the Phillies.
The Cardinals have been on a roll, winning 12 of their last 14 games, with only one loss each to the Phillies and Royals.
The schedule will get more difficult coming up, however, as the team next faces the Detroit Tigers, who have the best record in baseball. They end the week against the Arizona Diamondbacks, who are two games over .500 in the tough NL West. The Cubs’ schedule, on the other hand, gets easier on paper as they begin the week against the last place Marlins and end the week against the .500 Reds.
NL Central Standings
Team
W
L
Pct
GB
Chicago
28
19
0.596
St. Louis
26
21
0.553
2
Cincinnati
24
24
0.500
4.5
Milwaukee
22
25
0.468
6
Pittsburgh
15
32
0.319
13
Trade and Acquisition Rumors
There are no trade and acquisition rumors to report.
Transactions
5/14 CF Michael Helman was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
5/14 The Cardinals recalled RHP Matt Svanson from the Memphis Redbirds (27th man for the doubleheader).
5/15 The Cardinals optioned RHP Matt Svanson to the Memphis Redbirds.
Injury Report
LHP Zack Thompson (left lat strain) was placed on the 15-day injured list on March 24 and later moved to the 60-day IL. There has been no update on his status for more than a month.
Looking Ahead
The Cardinals return to St. Louis to begin a homestand starting with three games with the Detroit Tigers beginning Monday. Sonny Gray is scheduled for the Monday start, followed by Erick Fedde on Tuesday, and Andre Pallante on Wednesday.
Following an off day on Thursday, the homestand continues with a weekend series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Cardinals end the month on the road with three games in Baltimore, followed by a weekend set in Texas with the Rangers.
Beginning Tuesday, June 3, the Cardinals return to St. Louis to begin a nine-game homestand with three games with the Royals at Busch Stadium. Next is a weekend series with the Dodgers, and a three game set with the Blue Jays.
The team goes on the road again to play the Brewers in Milwaukee for four. After an off day on Monday, June 16, the Cardinals play the White Sox in Chicago for three games ending Thursday, June 19.
Blast from the Past
This week’s Blast of the Past continues the series that began last season here, the Debut Series. In this series, we chronicle the major league debuts of notable current and former Cardinals during a relevant period in franchise history.
This week the installment looks at Cardinals players who made their major league debuts during the period May 12 through May 18. The name of the player, the date he debuted, how he performed, and any other important details follow.
Dean Kiekhefer (Steve Mitchell/USA Today Sports)
May 14, 2016 –LHP Dean Kiekhefer made his major league debut with the Cardinals. Some fans may know Kiekhefer more for being the current assistant pitching coach for the Cardinals than they do for his brief time pitching for the team.
The Cardinals drafted Kiekhefer in the 36th round in 2010. He was called up to the major league team on May 13, 2016 and made his debut the next day in a 5-3 loss to the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Kiekhefer entered in the sixth inning in relief of Carlos Martinez. He struck out the first batter, Joc Pederson, and the third batter, Enrique (Kiki) Hernandez. Kiekhefer returned to pitch the seventh and struck out Scott Kazmir and Chase Utley before giving up a home run to Corey Seager.
Kiekhefer was placed on waivers after the 2016 season and was claimed by the Seattle Mariners.
Chris Perez (USA TODAY Sports)
May 16, 2008 – Relief pitcher Chris Perez made his major league debut with the Cardinals. Perez pitched the seventh in relief of Braden Looper in a 3-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays in Tampa. He pitched to four batters, one who reached on an error, but gave up no runs. His first major league strikeout came against his last batter, Evan Longoria, who struck out swinging.
Perez appeared in 41 games for the Cardinals in 2008 and 29 games in 2009 before he was traded to Cleveland for Mark DeRosa.
Pete Kozma (USA TODAY Sports Images)
May 18, 2011 – On this day in 2011, Pete Kozma made his major league debut for the Cardinals. Kozma, later a fan whipping boy for his less than stellar performance with the bat in his five seasons in St. Louis, made his debut in a 5-1 win over the Astros at Busch Stadium.
Kozma entered as a pinch hitter for Lance Berkman in the fifth inning. In his first at-bat, he doubled to left field, scoring Tyler Greene, for his first major league hit and first RBI. Kozma remained in the game as the second baseman. In the eighth, he walked but was stranded.
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All paid members can purchase our Prospect Guide PDF at 50% off. Thank you for your support of The Cardinal Nation!
The St. Louis Cardinals system was 1-2 on Friday. The Cardinal Nation’s Player of the Day, Memphis 1B Luken Baker, was 2-for-3 with two home runs, plus a walk and three RBI. Other standouts include José Fermín, Michael McGreevy, and JJ Wetherholt.
— Memphis Redbirds (@memphisredbirds) May 17, 2025
Michael Gomez relieved McGreevy and threw a scoreless sixth. Nick Anderson surrendered two runs in the seventh. Matt Svanson yielded one run in the eighth. Riley O’Brien allowed one run in the ninth.
Memphis went ahead 5-0 in the second inning. Luken Baker hit a solo home run. Ryan Vilade singled. César Prieto plated Vilade on a double. Prieto scored on a single by Gavin Collins. José Fermín blasted a two-run home run.
— Memphis Redbirds (@memphisredbirds) May 17, 2025
Nashville scored one run in the fourth to cut the lead to 5-1. The Redbirds added two runs in the fifth on a two-run home by Baker. Memphis scored an eighth run in the sixth. Fermín doubled and scored on a single by Thomas Saggese.
— Memphis Redbirds (@memphisredbirds) May 17, 2025
The Sounds rallied for two runs in the seventh and single runs in the eighth and ninth to bring the score to 8-5.
The Redbirds scored eight runs on 14 hits. Baker was 2-for-3 with a walk, three RBI and two runs scored. Fermín was 3-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored. Prieto and Collins were both 2-for-4 with an RBI. Vilade and Matt Koperniak were each 2-for-4.
On the bases, Prieto was caught stealing. On defense, Saggese made a throwing error. Collins had a fielding miscue. Vilade had an outfield assist at second base. Gomez picked a runner off second base.
The Redbirds are 22-19 on the season.
Saturday’s game: vs. Nashville, Alex Cornwell LHP (1-2, 9.67) vs. Carlos Rodriguez RHP (2-1, 2.01) 6:35 CT.
— Springfield Cardinals (@Sgf_Cardinals) May 17, 2025
Zane Mills relieved Roby and surrendered one run in 1 1/3 innings and took the loss. Austin Love threw a scoreless eighth. Sean Harney tossed a scoreless ninth.
The Cardinals took a 2-0 lead in the fifth inning. Darlin Moquete singled. Nathan Church doubled. JJ Wetherholt plated Moquete and Church on a single.
The High-A Chiefs were clobbered by the Kernels in a 13-2 road loss on Friday. Starter Gerardo Salas pitched 4 2/3 innings, gave up 11 runs on 12 hits, struck out one and walked three. Salas took the loss.
Hunter Hayes relieved Salas and surrendered one run in 1 1/3 innings. Jawilme Ramirez yielded one unearned run in the final two innings.
Cedar Rapids went up 4-0 in the third inning. Peoria scored their only two runs in the top of the fifth to cut the lead to 4-2. Miguel Villarroel singled and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Tre Richardson reached on an error. Villarroel scored on a sac fly by Graysen Tarlow. Bryce Madron singled. Joshua Baez walked. Richardson came home on a sac fly by Brayden Jobert.
The Kernels piled on eight runs in the home fifth to lead 12-2. They added a final run in the seventh.
The Chiefs scored two runs on six hits. Baez was 2-for-3. Villarroel was 2-for-4.
Baez stole his 15th base of the season. Michael Curialle was picked off and caught stealing.
On defense, Tarlow was tagged for catcher interference. Trey Paige and Michael Curialle each made a fielding error. Jobert had an outfield assist at first base.
Peoria is 13-23 on the season.
Saturday’s game: at Cedar Rapids, Cade Winquest RHP (0-2, 3.00) vs. Ty Langenberg RHP (0-1, 5.48) 6:35 CT.
Palm Beach at Tampa – Off day
Palm Beach is 18-19 on the season, two games out of first place in the Florida State League East Division.
Saturday’s game: at Tampa, RHP Jason Savacool (3-1, 1.09) vs. Greysen Carter RHP (1-2, 5.96) 5:30 CT.
FCL Cardinals – Off day
The rookie level Florida Complex League Cardinals are 4-5 on the season.
Saturday’s game: vs. FCL Nationals, TBD vs. TBD 9:00 am CT.
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All paid members can purchase our Prospect Guide PDF at 50% off. Thank you for your support of The Cardinal Nation!
photo: Chase Davis (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)
The St. Louis Cardinals system was 3-4 on Wednesday. TCN’s Player of the Day, Springfield CF Chase Davis, went 3-for-3 with a walk, two RBI and two runs scored. Other standouts: Ramon Mendoza, Trey Paige, Brayden Jobert, Ian Petrutz, Travis Honeyman and Luis Piño.
The Triple-A Redbirds were blanked 11-0 by the Nashville Sounds in Wednesday’s makeup of Tuesday’s rainout. Starter Ian Bedell pitched four innings, gave up seven runs on seven hits, struck out four and walked two. Bedell took the loss.
Ryan Shreve surrendered four runs in 2 2/3 innings of relief. Andre Granillo secured the final out of the seventh.
Nashville took a 2-0 lead in the second inning. They added five runs in the third and increased their lead to 8-0 in the fifth. The final blow came with a three-run seventh inning.
The Redbirds scattered just three hits, all singles. José Fermín was 2-for-3. The other was from Bryan Torres. The offense was 0-for-2 with runners in scoring position and left five men on base.
On the bases, Fermín stole his 11th base of the season. On defense, Torres had an outfield assist at second base.
— Memphis Redbirds (@memphisredbirds) May 14, 2025
Michael Gomez surrendered four runs in 1 1/3 innings of relief and took the loss. Oddanier Mosqueda yielded one run in 2/3 of an inning. Ryan Fernandez threw a scoreless sixth. Riley O’Brien tossed a scoreless seventh.
Nashville took a 1-0 in the fourth inning and added four runs in the fifth.
The Redbirds scattered five hits. Gavin Collins and Luken Baker doubled for the only extra base hits. Baker also drew two walks. The offense was 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position and left 10 men on base.
On defense, Collins made a throwing error.
The Redbirds are 21-18 on the season.
Thursday’s game: vs. Nashville, RHP Curtis Taylor (1-0, 4.00) vs. Jacob Misiorowski RHP (3-0, 1.49) 11:05 am CT.
The Double-A Cardinals edged the Sod Poodles by the score of 7-5 at Hammons Field on Wednesday. Starter Pete Hansen pitched seven innings, gave up five runs, three earned, on six hits, struck out three and walked two to earn his first win of 2025.
Jack Ralston relieved Hansen and threw a scoreless eighth. Nick Raquet tossed a scoreless ninth to earn his first save.
Amarillo took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Springfield answered with two runs to tie in the home first. Nathan Church and Chase Davis hit solo home runs.
There goes Davis! Chase Davis launches his third home run of the season with all three of them against Amarillo starter Roman Angelo. pic.twitter.com/XuAatk5uLW
— Springfield Cardinals (@Sgf_Cardinals) May 14, 2025
The Sod Poodles came back in the second to retake the lead 4-2. In the fifth, the Cardinals cut the lead to 4-3. Brody Moore and Church singled. JJ Wetherholt drew a walk. Davis was hit by a pitch and Moore was forced in.
Springfield tied the game in the sixth. Noah Mendlinger was hit by a pitch, advanced to second on a ground out by Ramon Mendoza and came home on a single by Moore.
In the top of the seventh, Amarillo put up one run to lead 5-4. The Cardinals responded with three runs in the bottom of the frame to lead for the first time, 7-5. Davis and Dakota Harris walked. Mendoza followed with a three-run home run to left field.
— Springfield Cardinals (@Sgf_Cardinals) May 14, 2025
Springfield tallied seven runs on 10 hits. Davis was 3-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored. Church was 2-for-3 with an RBI. Moore was 2-for-3 with an RBI. Mendoza plated three.
On defense, Hansen made a throwing error. Davis, Wetherholt, and Mendlinger each had a fielding miscue.
Springfield is 17-18 on the season.
Thursday’s game: vs. Amarillo, RHP Max Rajcic (1-3, 5.61) vs. Jose Cabrera RHP (2-1, 4.76) 6:35 CT
The High-A Chiefs edged the Kernels in extra innings by the score of 7-6 on Wednesday. Starter Hancel Rincon pitched 5 1/3 innings, gave up four runs on seven hits, fanned five and walked one.
Michael Watson relieved Rincon and threw 1 2/3 scoreless innings. Angel Gonzalez surrendered one run in the eighth. D.J. Carpenter tossed a scoreless ninth. Benjamin Arias yielded one unearned run in the final two innings and received the win.
Peoria went up 4-0 in the first inning. Jon Jon Gazdar and Ian Petrutz singled. Won-Bin Cho’s sac bunt moved the runners over. Johnfrank Salazar singled to score Gazdar. Ryan Campos was hit by a pitch. Brayden Jobert drew a walk and Petrutz came home. Miguel Villarroel grounded into a force out with Jobert out at second as Salazar scored. Campos advanced to third. Campos stole home and Villarroel stole second.
Double steal! Chiefs swipe a fourth run in the first!
Cedar Rapids cut the lead to 4-1 in the fourth, and 4-2 in the fifth. The Chiefs scored one in the top of the sixth to increase the lead to 5-2.
In the home sixth, the Kernels put up two runs to shrink the lead to 5-4 and they tied the game in the eighth.
In extra innings, in the top of the 11th, the Chiefs sent two runs home to lead 7-5. Graysen Tarlow began at second base. Trey Paige hit a two-run home run to right field.
Cedar Rapids managed just one run in the bottom of the 11th to bring the final score to 7-6.
Peoria scored seven runs on 12 hits. Paige was 2-for-5 with two RBI. Jobert was 3-for-4 with an RBI. Petrutz was 3-for-5 with an RBI. Gazdar was 2-for-5 with two runs scored.
On the bases, Campos stole his sixth base of the season. Villarroel swiped his 11th bag. Gazdar stole his ninth base. Petrutz was caught stealing.
On defense, Salazar made a throwing error.
Peoria is 13-21 on the season.
Thursday’s game: at Cedar Rapids, Darlin Saladin RHP (1-1, 5.64) vs. Jose Olivares RHP (0-1, 3.77) 6:35 CT.
The Beach Birds lost to the Tarpons in the first game of a twin bill on Wednesday. Starter Brandt Thompson pitched 3 1/3 innings, gave up eight runs, seven earned, on nine hits, struck out two and walked one. Thompson took the loss.
Conor Steinbaugh relieved Thompson and surrendered one run in 2 2/3 innings.
The Beach Birds scored two runs in the top of the first. Travis Honeyman singled. Jonathan Mejia followed with a two-run home run.
The Low-A Cardinals again lost decisively to the Tarpons in the second game of the road twin bill. Starter Nelfy Ynfante pitched three innings, gave up eight runs on 11 hits and walked one. Ynfante took the loss.
Sam Brodersen relieved Ynfante and surrendered four runs in 1 1/3 innings. Mason Burns tossed the final 1 2/3 scoreless innings.
Tampa went up 3-0 in the first inning. The Beach Birds cut the lead to 3-2 in the top of the second. Jose Suarez reached on an error, stole second and scored on two more errors. Anyelo Encarnacion singled, stole second and third base and came home on an error.
The Tarpons answered with one run in the home second, four runs in the third, two in the fourth, and two in the fifth to lead 12-2.
In the seventh, Palm Beach ended its scoring with a two-run home run by Luis Piño.
The rookie-level Cardinals blanked the Mets in a 2-0 home win on Wednesday. Starter Bernard Mack pitched 2 2/3 scoreless no-hit innings, struck out five but walked seven.
Giovanni Vargas relieved Mack and threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings and received the win. Ronny Oliver tossed the final three scoreless innings to earn the save.
The Cardinals went up 1-0 in the first inning. Facundo Velasquez walked and scored on a triple by Yairo Padilla. They added the second run in the sixth on a solo home run by Raniel Rodriguez.
The Cardinals scored two runs on three hits. No Cardinal had multiples. The offense was 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position and left two men on base.
The Cardinals are 4-4 on the season.
Thursday’s game: vs. FCL Marlins RHP Jefferson Moran (0-0, 3.00) vs. TBD 11:00 am CT.
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The St. Louis Cardinals system was 4-1 on Tuesday. The Cardinal Nation Player of the Day, SS Yairo Padilla, went 5-for-7 with a walk, three RBI and five runs scored in the doubleheader sweep of the FCL Astros. Other standouts include Leonardo Bernal, Joshua Baez, Michael Curialle and Rainiel Rodriguez.
Results for games played Tuesday, May 13.
Memphis vs. Nashville (postponed)
The game was postponed due to wet field conditions. It will be played as part of a doubleheader on Wednesday, May 14.
The Redbirds are 21-16 on the season.
Wednesday’s game: vs. Nashville (MIL), RHP Ian Bedell (0-2, 7.43) vs RHP Aaron Civale (MLB Rehab) 12:05 CT (game one); vs. Nashville, Curtis Taylor RHP (1-0, 4.00) vs. TBD (game two).
The Double-A Cardinals beat the Sod Poodles by the score of 7-2 at Hammons Field on Tuesday. Starter Ixan Henderson pitched 4 2/3 innings, gave up two runs on six hits, fanned seven and walked three.
Ricardo Velez relieved Henderson and threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings. Osvaldo Berrios tossed the final two scoreless innings to earn the win.
Amarillo took a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Springfield tied the game in the third on a solo home run by Leonardo Bernal.
Cardinals number 6 prospect Leonardo Bernal swats an opposite field homer 107 MPH off the bat to tie the game 👀 pic.twitter.com/UcGX1eX2YZ
— Springfield Cardinals (@Sgf_Cardinals) May 14, 2025
The Sod Poodles regained the lead 2-1 in the fifth before the Cardinals rallied for six runs in the eighth to win 7-2. Ramon Mendoza drew a walk. Nathan Church grounded into a force out. JJ Wetherholt doubled to plate Church. Bernal singled to drive in Wetherholt. Chase Davis singled. R.J Yeager walked. Jeremy Rivas walked. Noah Mendlinger singled to score Davis. Dakota Harris was hit by a pitch, and Yeager scored. Rivas came home on a wild pitch.
The Cardinals scored seven runs on seven hits. Bernal was 2-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored. Wetherholt was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Mendlinger was 2-for-3 with an RBI.
On defense, Wetherholt made a fielding error.
Springfield is 16-18 on the season.
Wednesday’s game: vs. Amarillo, Pete Hansen LHP (0-1, 2.78) vs. TBD (AMA) 11:15 am CT.
The High-A Chiefs defeated the Kernels in a 13-10 slugfest in Cedar Rapids on Tuesday. Starter Jose Davila pitched four innings and gave up five runs, four earned, on seven hits, struck out two and walked two.
Hunter Hayes relieved Davila and surrendered four runs in 2/3 of an inning. Jawilme Ramirez threw 2 1/3 hitless, scoreless innings with four strikeouts and earned the win. Joseph King yielded one run in the final two innings.
Cedar Rapids went up 2-0 in the second inning. Peoria answered in the top of the third on a solo home run by Miguel Villarroel.
The Kernels scored again in the home third for a 3-1 lead. The Chiefs made it 3-2 in the top of the fourth. Joshua Baez tripled and scored on a ground out by Ryan Campos.
Cedar Rapids added two runs in the bottom of the fourth to increase the lead to 5-2. Peoria put up two runs in the top of the fifth to shrink the lead to 5-4. Michael Curialle, Trey Paige and Jon Jon Gazdar singled. Curialle scored on a wild pitch. Baez reached on an error and Paige scored.
The Kernels responded with four runs in the bottom of the fifth to widen the lead to 9-4. The Chiefs made it 9-5 in the sixth. Brayden Jobert reached on an error and later came home on a single by Curialle.
In the top of the eighth, Peoria flipped the score and broke it open with eight runs. Jobert singled. Curialle reached on an error. Paige singled to plate Jobert. Gazdar drove in Curialle on a single. Paige came home on a single by Ian Petrutz. Baez singled and Gazdar scored the tying run. Won-Bin Cho plated Petrutz and Baez on a double. Cho scored on a single by Jobert. Villarroel singled. Curialle drove in Jobert on a single.
Cedar Rapids added one run in the bottom of the eighth for the final score of 13-10.
The Chiefs scored 13 runs on 18 hits. Baez was 3-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored. Curialle was 3-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored. Paige was 3-for-5 with an RBI. Jobert was 3-for-5 with an RBI and three runs scored. Gazdar was 2-for-6 with an RBI. Villarroel was 2-for-5 with an RBI. Cho had two RBI.
Baez stole two bases. Gazdar swiped his eighth bag. On defense, Curialle made a missed catch error. Villarroel had a fielding miscue. Paige made a throwing error. Davila picked a runner off second base.
Peoria is 12-21 on the season.
Wednesday’s game: at Cedar Rapids, Hancel Rincon RHP (1-0, 3.04) vs. Tanner Hall RHP (1-2, 4.81) 12:05 CT.
The Class-A Cardinals fell to the Tarpons in a 9-1 road defeat on Tuesday. Starter Nolan Sparks pitched five innings, gave up four runs on three hits, fanned seven and walked three. Sparks took the loss.
Angel Cuenca relieved Sparks and surrendered three runs in two innings. Yordy Herrera yielded two runs in the eighth.
Tampa took a 1-0 lead in the first inning. The Beach Birds tied the game in the second on a solo home run by Luis Pino.
The rookie level Cardinals blew out the Astros by a 15-1 score to open Tuesday action. This was the first game of a twin bill due to Monday’s rainout. Starter Rob Kaminsky, on a rehab assignment from Memphis, pitched one scoreless inning, allowed two hits and struck out two.
Yadiel Batista relieved Kaminsky and surrendered one run in three innings to earn the win. Charles Harrison threw two scoreless innings. Bruno Lopez tossed a scoreless seventh.
The Cardinals took a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Andru Arthur was hit by a pitch. He stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error. Yairo Padilla tripled to score Arthur. Padilla came home on a sac fly by Raniel Rodriguez.
The Cardinals increased the lead to 4-0 in the second. Yancel Guerrero drew a walk and stole second base. Paulo Asprilla walked. Hancel Almonte doubled to plate Guerrero. Asprilla was thrown out at home. Yoerny Junco drove in Almonte on a double.
In the top of the fourth, the Cardinals added three runs. Asprilla and Almonte walked. Asprilla went to third on a fly out by Junco and scored on a ground out by Arthur. Padilla plate Almonte on a single. Padilla advanced to second on an error. Padilla came home on a single by Rodriguez.
The Astros scored their only run in the home fourth.
The Cardinals added to the lead with two runs in the sixth to lead 9-1. Junco and Arthur walked. Padilla was hit by a pitch. Facundo Velazquez walked and Junco scored. Bracewell Taveras reached on an error and Padilla came home.
The Cardinals put up a six-run seventh to cap off the 15-1 win. Almonte and Junco singled. Arthur plated Almonte on a single. Padilla tripled to drive in Junco and Arthur. Padilla scored on a single by Rodriguez. Velasquez walked. Taveras singled. Guerrero reached on an error and Rodriguez came home. Velasquez scored on a wild pitch.
The offense scored 15 runs on 12 hits. Padilla was 3-for-4 with three RBI and three runs scored. Rodriguez was 2-for-4 with three RBI. Almonte was 2-for-4 with an RBI and three runs scored. Junco was 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. Arthur had two RBI and three runs scored.
On the bases, Arthur and Guerrero each stole their second base of the season. Guerrero was caught stealing.
Andrew Bolivar relieved Menes and surrendered four runs in 2 1/3 innings. Menes received the win. Jovi Galvez yielded one run in 1 1/3 innings. Antoni Cuello secured the final out of the seventh.
The Cardinals went up 1-0 in the third inning. Alejandro Loaiza reached on an error. Yaisel Ramos and Yairo Padilla walked. Loaiza scored on a wild pitch.
The Cardinals put up a seven-run fifth inning to lead 8-0. Ramos walked and stole second base. Yancel Guerrero followed with a two-run home run to left field. Padilla singled, stole second base, and advanced to third on an error. Raniel Rodriguez blasted a two-run home run. Paulo Asprilla singled. Daniel Rojas grounded into a force out, eliminating Asprilla. Rojas stole second base. Romtres Cabrera walked. Loaiza hit a three-run long ball.
The Astros finally got on the board with a four-run top of the sixth. The Cardinals answered with three more runs in the home sixth. Padilla singled and advanced to second on an error. Rodriguez walked. Asprilla walked. Rojas was hit by a pitch and Padilla scored. Cabrera plated Rodriguez on a single. Loaiza lined out to shortstop and Asprilla came home on a throwing error. The Cardinals led 11-4.
The Astros added a run in the seventh.
The Cardinals scored 11 runs on eight hits. Padilla was 2-for-3 with two runs scored. Loaiza had three RBI and two runs scored. Rodriguez scored twice and drove in two. Guerrero had two RBI.
On the bases, Ramos and Rojas each stole their first base. Padilla swiped his fifth bag.
On defense, Asprilla made a throwing error.
The Cardinals are 3-4 on the season.
Wednesday’s game: vs. FCL Mets, TBD vs. TBD 11:00 am CT.
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photo: Matthew Liberatore and Steven Matz (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)
8-0 in their last eight games, the St. Louis Cardinals are just one game out of first place. Last week, the rotation averaged almost seven innings per start and the bullpen has a seven-game scoreless streak. We again remember notable MLB debuts during this week in team history.
The St. Louis Cardinals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first of a three-game series at Busch Stadium on Monday. Starter Miles Mikolas pitched five innings, gave up three runs on four hits, struck out one and walked three.
The bullpen contributed four innings of scoreless pitching. Gordon Graceffo threw the sixth to earn his second win. Kyle Leahy took the seventh, Phil Maton pitched the eighth and Ryan Helsley earned his sixth save with a clean ninth.
Pittsburgh took a 2-0 lead in the first inning. St. Louis tied the game in the third on solo home runs by Jose Barrero and Alec Burleson.
The Pirates regained the lead with a one-run fourth. In the sixth, the Cardinals put up four runs to lead 6-3. Nolan Arenado walked and Willson Contreras followed with a two-run home run. Nolan Gorman, Pedro Pagés and Victor Scott singled. Barrero plated Gorman and Pagés on a ground rule double.
The Cardinals won Game 2 with Pittsburgh on Tuesday. Starter Matthew Liberatore pitched seven innings, gave up one run on three hits, fanned eight and walked three to earn his third win.
Steven Matz relieved Liberatore and threw a scoreless eighth. Gordon Graceffo tossed a scoreless ninth to earn his first save.
The game was scoreless until the top of the sixth, when the Pirates scored their only run of the game. In the home half of the inning, the Cardinals took a 2-1 lead. Nolan Arenado singled. Willson Contreras walked. Alec Burleson doubled to score Arenado and Contreras.
This was St. Louis’ fourth win over Pirates ace Paul Skenes, the most of any team. The offense scored two runs on four hits. Burleson had two RBI and no Cardinal had multiple hits.
On the bases, Victor Scott was caught stealing for the first time.
The Cardinals blanked the Pirates 5-0 to sweep the series in St. Louis on Wednesday. Starter Sonny Gray pitched seven scoreless innings, allowed two hits, fanned eight and walked one to earn his fourth win.
Kyle Leahy relieved Gray and threw a scoreless eighth. Chris Roycroft tossed a scoreless ninth.
The Cardinals went up 2-0 in the third inning. Victor Scott drew a walk. Lars Nootbaar singled and Scott scored from first. Masyn Winn plated Nootbaar on a double.
St. Louis added a run in the fifth. Scott singled and scored on a double by Winn. Two more runs came home in the eighth. Brendan Donovan singled. Luken Baker doubled. Jordan Walker drove in Donovan and Baker on a single.
The Cardinals scored five runs on 11 hits. Winn was 2-for-4 with two RBI. Nootbaar was 3-for-4 with an RBI. Walker had two RBI.
On defense, Pedro Pagés was charged with catcher interference.
The Cardinals blanked the Nationals by the score of 10-0 on Friday at Nationals Park. Starter Erick Fedde threw a complete game shutout over nine scoreless innings, with six hits allowed, no walks and eight strikeouts. It was Fedde’s first career complete game shutout.
The Cardinals began the scoring with two runs in the first inning. Lars Nootbaar and Masyn Winn walked. Nolan Arenado singled. Willson Contreras doubled to plate Nootbaar and Winn.
St. Louis added a run in the third. Brendan Donovan doubled. Arenado singled. Donovan came home on a sac fly by Iván Herrera.
In the fourth, the Cardinals increased the lead to 4-0. Pedro Pagés doubled, went to third on a wild pitch, and scored on a sac fly by Victor Scott. The tally widened to 6-0 in the fifth. Arenado singled. Contreras singled. Herrera plated Arenado on a double. Contreras came home on a sac fly by Jordan Walker.
In the eight, St. Louis made it 9-0. Walker was hit by a pitch. Pagés walked. Scott walked. Winn singled to score Walker. Pagés came home on a wild pitch. Donovan walked to load the bases. Scott scored on a walk by Contreras.
The tenth and final scored in the ninth. Walker walked and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Pagés drew a walk. Scott plated Walker on a force out with a throwing error.
The Cardinals scored 10 runs on 11 hits. Contreras was 2-for-4 with three RBI. Arenado was 3-for-5. In his first game off the injured list, Herrera drove in two.
The Cardinals defeated the Nationals in the second game of the weekend series on Saturday. Starter Andre Pallante pitched 7 1/3 innings, gave up two runs on five hits, and fanned seven to earn his third win.
JoJo Romero relieved Pallante and threw 2/3 of a scoreless inning of relief. Ryan Helsley tossed a scoreless ninth to earn his seventh save.
The Cardinals scored all four of their runs in the second inning. Willson Contreras was hit by a pitch. Alec Burleson walked. Nolan Gorman grounded into a force out, eliminating Burleson at second. Pedro Pagés drove in Contreras on a single. Gorman scored on a single by Victor Scott. Lars Nootbaar plated Pagés and Scott on a double.
The Cardinals completed the sweep of the Nationals with a 6-1 win on Sunday. Starter Miles Mikolas pitched 5 1/3 innings, gave up one run on four hits, fanned five and walked one to earn his second win.
Steven Matz relieved Mikolas and threw 1 2/3 scoreless innings of relief. Phil Maton hurled a scoreless eighth and John King tossed a scoreless ninth.
The Cardinals got on the board in the first inning on a solo home run by Lars Nootbaar. Willson Contreras thumped a solo home run in the second to increase the lead to 2-0.
The Nationals scored their only run in the fourth.
St. Louis added two runs in the seventh to widen the lead to 4-1. Nolan Arenado doubled. Iván Herrera walked. Yohel Pozo singled to score Arenado. Herrera came home on a single by Victor Scott.
The lead increased to 6-1 in the eighth on a two-run home run by Arenado.
The Cardinals scored six runs on nine hits. Arenado was 2-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored. Contreras and Pozo were both 2-for-4 with an RBI.
On the bases, Nootbaar was caught stealing for the second time.
The Big Picture
The Cardinals had a very good week, going 6-0 by sweeping the Pirates and Nationals in three-game series. St. Louis has won eight games in a row and have moved up in the standings to second place, one game behind the Cubs.
The offense is still churning out the hits and runs. The run differential for the team has improved to +24. The top performers for the week by OPS are Jose Barrero (2.000 in four at-bats), Willson Contreras (1.222), Pedro Pagés (1.067), Nolan Arenado (1.008), and Alec Burleson (.972). At the bottom is Jordan Walker (.333).
The starting rotation had a fantastic week. All five starters ended the week with an ERA below 4.00. Erick Fedde and Sonny Gray had ERAs for the week of 0.00. The final two starters were Matthew Liberatore (1.29), Andre Pallante (2.45), and Miles Mikolas (3.48 over two starts).
The bullpen was also superb. Amazingly, the relievers did not allow a run the entire week. Including last Sunday’s Game 2 win over the Mets, the pen has a seven-game scoreless streak. Steven Matz has been particularly effective.
This has been the Cardinals’ best team performance in a long time, but it helped that they played two subpar teams in the Pirates and Nats. The eight-game winning streak does include two wins against the New York Mets, however, which are one of the best teams in baseball.
The coming week will be more difficult, as they face two good teams, the Phillies and the Royals. Both series are on the road, beginning with three in Philly and ending with a weekend set in Kansas City.
Their road record has improved to 7-13 with the three-game sweep of the Nationals in Washington. Winning series in Philly and Kansas City would go a long way to relieve the early season sting of a bad road record and perhaps elevate the Cardinals into the division lead.
NL Central Standings
Team
W
L
Pct
GB
Chicago
23
18
0.561
St. Louis
22
19
0.537
1
Milwaukee
20
21
0.488
3
Cincinnati
20
22
0.476
3.5
Pittsburgh
14
27
0.341
9
Trade and Acquisition Rumors
There are no trade and acquisition rumors to report.
Transactions
5/5 The Cardinals optioned RHP Michael McGreevy to the Memphis Redbirds.
5/5 The Cardinals optioned RHP Roddery Muñoz to the Memphis Redbirds.
5/5 The Cardinals recalled RHP Gordon Graceffo from the Memphis Redbirds.
5/8 The Cardinals optioned 1B Luken Baker to the Memphis Redbirds.
5/9 The Cardinals activated C Iván Herrera from the 10-day injured list.
Injury Report
LHP Zack Thompson (left lat strain) was placed on the 15-day injured list on March 24. Thompson missed most of spring training. There has been no update on Thompson for more than a month.
C Iván Herrera (left knee bone bruise) was activated from the 10-day injured list and returned to the lineup.
Looking Ahead
The road trip continues with three games with the Phillies. Matthew Liberatore is set for the Monday start, followed by Sonny Gray on Tuesday and Erick Fedde on Wednesday.
The Cardinals finish the road trip with a weekend series versus the Royals in Kansas City.
The team then returns to St. Louis to begin a homestand starting with three with the Detroit Tigers beginning Monday, May 19. The homestand continues with a weekend series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Cardinals end the month on the road with three in Baltimore, followed by a weekend set in Texas with the Rangers.
Blast from the Past
This week’s Blast of the Past continues the series that began last season, the Debut Series. In this series, we chronicle the major league debuts of notable current and former Cardinals during a relevant period in franchise history.
This week the installment looks at Cardinals who made their major league debuts during the period May 5 through May 11. The name of the player, the date he debuted, how he performed, and other important details are included.
Shane Robinson (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)
May 7, 2009 – Shane Robinson made his major league debut in a 5-2 win over the Pirates at Busch Stadium. Robinson entered in the eighth inning as a pinch hitter for reliever Blaine Boyer and grounded out to shortstop.
Robinson earned his first major league hit on May 10, 2009 in an 8-7 win over the Reds at Great American Ballpark. Robinson was again a pinch hitter, replacing reliever Dennys Reyes in the eighth. Robinson hit a ground rule double to left CF but was stranded.
Chris Roycroft (Memphis Redbirds)
May 7, 2024 – On this date last season, current Cardinals reliever Chris Roycroft made his major league debut.
In a 7-5 loss to the Mets at Busch Stadium, Roycroft entered in the ninth inning, replacing Ryan Fernandez. Roycroft struck out Francisco Lindor but then gave up a solo home run to Pete Alonso. He followed that with a strikeout of Harrison Bader, gave up a single to J.D. Martinez, and got the final out on a ground out to second by Brett Baty.
Brad Thompson (USA TODAY Sports)
May 8, 2005 –Brad Thompson made his major league debut. Fans know Thompson as a color analyst for FanDuel Sports Midwest, doing game broadcasts along with Chip Caray.
RHP Thompson debuted in a 15-5 Cardinals blowout of the San Diego Padres at Busch Stadium on May 8, 2005. Thompson entered in the seventh inning in relief of starter Jason Marquis. Thompson pitched three innings, gave up one run on two hits, struck out two and walked one. One of the two hits was a home run.
Thompson’s first major league strikeout victim was Miguel Ojeda. He also struck out Xavier Nady in the ninth. The home run was a solo shot by Robert Fick in the ninth.
One interesting tidbit about this debut is that one of the batters he faced was Mark Sweeney, who is his counterpart as a color analyst for the Cardinals. Thompson induced a popout to shortstop from Sweeney in the eighth. He also faced current Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who grounded out to first base.
Willie McGee (Steve Mitchell/Imagn)
May 10, 1982 –Willie McGee made his major league debut in a 3-1 loss to the Reds at Busch Stadium. McGee entered in the eighth inning, replacing starter Dane Iorg in left field. In the bottom of the eighth, McGee struck out.
McGee’s first major league hit came on May 13 in Atlanta in a 10-9 win over the Braves. McGee pinch hit for Tito Landrum and stayed in the game as the center fielder. He faced Braves reliever and former Cardinal Al Hrabosky in the fifth inning and singled to left, scoring Keith Hernandez.
Now Available – 2025 Cardinals Prospect Guide
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All paid members can purchase our Prospect Guide PDF at 50% off. Thank you for your support of The Cardinal Nation!
photo: Cesar Prieto (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)
The St. Louis Cardinals system was 3-2 on Friday. The Cardinal Nation’s Player of the Day, Memphis 3B César Prieto, was 5-for-6 with two RBI. Other standouts include Jimmy Crooks, José Fermín, Bryan Torres, Nathan Church, Joshua Baez, Bryce Madron and Leonel Sequera.
The Triple-A Redbirds beat the Knights in a 13-10 slugfest in Charlotte on Friday. Starter Curtis Taylor pitched 3 2/3 innings, gave up five runs on six hits, struck out one and walked two.
Zack Weiss relieved Taylor and surrendered one run in 1 1/3 innings. Nick Anderson yielded one run in the sixth. Ryan Fernandez allowed three runs in the seventh. Riley O’Brien tossed the final two scoreless innings to earn the win.
Memphis went up 1-0 in the top of the first inning. José Fermín drew a walk and stole second base. Jimmy Crooks singled to score Fermín.
Charlotte answered in the home first to lead 2-1. The Redbirds responded in the top of the second with four runs to retake the lead at 5-2. Ryan Vilade and Bryan Torres walked. Fermín singled and Vilade scored. Thomas Saggese walked. Crooks was hit by a pitch, scoring Torres. César Prieto plated Fermín and Saggese on a single.
The Knights put up two runs in the home second to shrink the lead to 5-4. In the top of the fourth, Memphis added a run to their lead as Saggese doubled and scored on a single by Crooks.
— Memphis Redbirds (@memphisredbirds) May 10, 2025
Charlotte matched the Redbirds with a one run home fourth to cut the lead to one run. In the top of the fifth, Memphis scored two to make it 8-5. Prieto singled but was eliminated on a force out by Michael Helman. Vilade drove in Helman on a triple. Vilade came home on a single by Torres.
The Knights continued to answer with single runs in the bottom of the fifth and the sixth to pull to within one at 8-7.
Memphis posted a three-run top of the seventh to widen the lead to 11-7. Matt Lloyd reached on an error. Vilade walked. A wild pitch advanced the runners. Torres drew a walk. Fermín doubled to send Lloyd and Vilade home. Torres scored on a fielder’s choice by Matt Koperniak.
— Memphis Redbirds (@memphisredbirds) May 10, 2025
Charlotte added three runs in the home seventh to bring the lead to 11-10. Memphis went up 12-10 in the eighth. Prieto singled. Helman walked. Vilade walked. Torres plated Prieto on a single.
The Redbirds added an insurance run in the ninth for the final 13-10 score. Saggese was plunked. Crooks took a free pass. Prieto singled and Saggese came home on a sac fly by Helman.
The Memphis offense scored 13 runs on 15 hits. Prieto was 5-for-6 with two RBI. Crooks was 3-for-4 with three RBI. Fermín was 2-for-4 with three RBI and two runs scored. Torres was 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored.
On the bases, Fermín stole his ninth base of the season. Koperniak was caught stealing. Prieto was picked off first base.
On defense, Taylor picked a runner off second base.
The Redbirds are 20-14 on the season.
Saturday’s games: at Charlotte, Alex Cornwell LHP (1-2, 11.72) vs. Justin Dunn RHP (1-2, 5.60) 11:05 am CT (game one); at Charlotte, RHP Michael McGreevy (3-1, 4.08) vs. Evan McKendry RHP (0-1, 6.43) (game two).
Andrew Marrero relieved Rajcic and threw 2 1/3 perfect innings of relief with four strikeouts to earn the win. Nathanael Heredia hurled a scoreless eighth. Sean Harney tossed a scoreless ninth for his fourth save.
The Cardinals scored first on a solo home run by Nathan Church in the first. They added two runs in the top of the third to increase the lead to 3-0. Dakota Harris doubled and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Leonardo Bernal drew a walk. R. J. Yeager reached on a fielders’ choice with a throwing error and Harris scored. Bernal came home on a double play by Noah Mendlinger.
On the fourth pitch of the game, Nathan Church goes big fly! Once again, Cards strike first. pic.twitter.com/6bvqoY0RPZ
— Springfield Cardinals (@Sgf_Cardinals) May 10, 2025
Arkansas cut the lead to 3-2 in the home third. The score remained there until Springfield added a run in the ninth to win 4-2. Ramon Mendoza walked. Carlos Linarez singled. Church plated Mendoza on a single.
The Cardinals scored four runs on seven hits. Church was 2-for-5 with two RBI.
On defense, Jeremy Rivas made a throwing error. Marrero picked a runner off first base.
Springfield is 15-16 on the season.
Saturday’s game: at Arkansas, RH Tekoah Roby (1-2, 2.66) vs. Reid VanScoter LHP (0-0, 0.00) 4:05 CT.
D.J. Carpenter relieved Saladin and threw a scoreless sixth. Michael Watson surrendered two runs in two innings. Joseph King tossed a scoreless ninth.
Wisconsin scored one run in the top the second. Peoria tied the game in the home half of the frame. Michael Curialle singled and later crossed the plate on a single by Brayden Jobert.
The Chiefs added a run in the third for a 2-1 lead. Bryce Madron doubled and came home on a single by Joshua Baez.
The Timber Rattlers tied the game in the top of the fifth, but Peoria answered in the bottom of the inning to regain the lead at 4-2. Again, Madron doubled and scored on a single by Baez. Ian Petrutz followed with a triple to plate Baez.
The Chiefs added to their lead with three runs in the seventh. Madron singled. Jon Jon Gazdar walked. Madron and Gazdar executed a double steal. Baez walked and Madron scored. Gazdar came home on a ground out by Petrutz. Curialle walked. Ryan Campos plated Baez on a single.
Wisconsin shrunk the lead to 7-4 in the top of the eighth. Peoria made it 8-4 in the bottom of the inning. Jobert singled. Trey Paige doubled. Gazdar walked. Jobert came home on a balk.
The Chiefs scored eight runs on 13 hits. Baez was 2-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored. Jobert was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Madron was 3-for-4 with three runs scored. Petrutz had two RBI.
On the bases, Madron stole his first base of the season. Gazdar swiped his fifth bag. Baez was caught stealing.
Peoria is 10-20 on the season.
Saturday’s game: vs. Wisconsin, Gerardo Salas RHP (0-3, 8.31) vs. Anthony Flores LHP (0-1, 5.79) 7:05 CT.
Yordy Herrera relieved Sequera and surrendered two runs in two innings. Herrera took the loss. Mason Burns yielded four runs in 1 2/3 innings. Sam Brodersen allowed four runs in the final 1/3 of an inning.
The Beach Birds scored their only run in the fourth on a solo home run by Josh Kross. Jupiter scored two runs in the sixth to take the lead.
The rookie-level Cardinals lost to the Marlins by an 8-6 score in Jupiter on Friday. Starter Keiverson Ramirez pitched three innings, gave up four runs on seven hits and struck out one.
Alan Reyes relieved Ramirez and surrendered two runs, one earned, in 2 1/3 innings. Giovanny Vargas threw 2/3 of a scoreless inning. In his first game down from Palm Beach, Samuel Fabian yielded two runs, one earned, in 1 1/3 innings and took the loss. Antoni Cuello tossed the final 2/3 of a scoreless inning.
Without the benefit of a hit, the Cardinals took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first. Andru Arthur walked, stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Raniel Rodriguez was hit by a pitch and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Arthur scored on a wild pitch, and Rodriguez moved to third. Rodriguez came home on a balk.
The Marlins tied the game in the home first, added one run in the second and one in the third to lead 4-2.
In the top of the sixth, the Cardinals scored three runs to take a 5-4 lead. Arthur and Yairo Padilla singled. Both runners advanced on a wild pitch. Rodriugez reached on a fielder’s choice out as Arthur was thrown out at home. Facundo Velasquez walked. Padilla scored on a wild pitch, and other runners advanced. Rodriguez came home on a passed ball. Hancel Almonte walked. Velasquez scored on a passed ball.
The Marlins answered with two runs in the home sixth to regain the lead 6-5. The Cardinals tied the game in the seventh. Alejandro Loaiza singled and later came home on a passed ball.
The Marlins put up two runs in the eighth to lead 8-6 and the Cardinals were unable to answer.
The Cardinals scored six runs on four hits. None of the hits produced a run as all runs scored on wild pitches, passed balls, or balks.
Arthur was 2-for-4. The offense was 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position and left six men on base.
On the bases, Arthur stole his first base of the season. Padilla swiped his fifth bag. Padilla and Rodriguez were both caught stealing.
On defense, Yoerny Junco made a throwing error. Bracewell Taveras had a fielding miscue.
The Cardinals are 1-4 on the season.
Saturday’s game: Off.
Now Available – 2025 Cardinals Prospect Guide
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The St. Louis Cardinals system was 2-2 on Wednesday. The Cardinal Nation’s Player of the Day, Springfield RHP Ixan Henderson, pitched six scoreless innings on three hits, no walks and eight strikeouts. Other standouts include Ryan Vilade, César Prieto and Anyelo Encarnacion.
The Triple-A Redbirds were edged by the Knights in a 10-inning one run game in Charlotte on Wednesday afternoon. It was the second straight day Memphis was walked off via a Knights home run.
In his second start after being pressed into the depleted rotation, Michael Gomez performed well, pitching 2 2/3 scoreless, hitless innings with three strikeouts.
Most of the rest of the bullpen struggled, however. Ryan Shreve surrendered six runs in 1 2/3 innings of relief. Matt Svanson yielded three runs in one inning. Roddery Muñoz threw 1 2/3 scoreless innings. Nick Anderson hurled a scoreless inning, and Oddanier Mosqueda allowed three runs, two earned, in the final 1 2/3 innings and took the loss.
Memphis took a 4-0 lead in the first inning. Michael Siani and Iván Herrera singled and stole third and second base, respectively. Jimmy Crooks plated Siani on a single. Ryan Vilade doubled to drive in Herrera and Crooks. César Prieto doubled to score Vilade.
Charlotte put up their first run in the third. The Knights continued to score at will with three runs in the fourth and two in the fifth to take the lead at 6-4.
The Redbirds put up two runs in the top of the sixth to tie the game at 6-6. Vilade walked and stole second. César Prieto singled to score Vilade. Andy Yerzy drove in Prieto on a single.
Charlotte answered in the bottom frame with three more runs to increase their lead to 9-6. Memphis answered with two runs in the eighth to make it 9-8. Matt Koperniak doubled. Vilade walked. Koperniak came home on a single by Brody Moore. Vilade scored on a double by Mike Antico.
In the ninth, the Redbirds tied the game for a third time. Herrera singled and stole second base. Vilade doubled to plate Herrera.
In the top half of the 10th, with Prieto on second base, Yerzy singled, and Moore drove in Prieto on a sac fly. Antico walked. Yerzy went to third on a wild pitch and scored on a single by Michael Siani. Memphis led 11-9 and just needed to secure three outs for the road win.
But it wasn’t to be. In the home 10th, Charlotte scored three runs. The first was on a wild pitch followed by a two-run walk off home run sealing the 12-11 victory.
The Redbirds offense scored 11 runs on 14 hits. Vilade was 2-for-3 with three RBI and three runs scored. Prieto was 2-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored. Siani was 2-for-6 with an RBI. In what appears to be his final rehab game with the Redbirds, Herrera was 2-for-6 with two runs scored, Yerzy was 2-for-5 with an RBI. Moore drove in two.
Siani stole his first Triple-A base of the season. Herrera swiped two bags. Vilade stole his third base.
On defense, Antico made a fielding error.
The Redbirds are 19-14 on the season.
Thursday’s game: at Charlotte, Curtis Taylor RHP (1-0, 2.70) vs. TBD (CHT) 6:04 CT.
Another unreal start for Ixan Henderson tonight: 6.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 8 K. pic.twitter.com/s015JBfCXC
— Springfield Cardinals (@Sgf_Cardinals) May 8, 2025
Austin Love relieved Henderson and threw a scoreless seventh. Zane Mills hurled a scoreless eighth. Luis Gastelum surrendered two runs in the ninth and took the loss.
The Cardinals went up 1-0 in the third inning. Miguel Ugueto doubled and scored on a single by Nathan Church.
Springfield held that lead until the ninth, when the Travelers scored two runs on a single, double and single to win in a walk off.
The Cardinals scored one run on eight hits. Church was 2-for-5 with an RBI. Harris was 2-for-4.
On the bases, JJ Wetherholt stole his second base of the season.
Springfield is 12-16 on the season.
Thursday’s games: at Arkansas, Pete Hansen LHP (0-1, 2.45) vs. Garrett Hill RHP (1-0, 1.59) 4:35 CT (game one); at Arkansas, RHP Osvaldo Berrios (1-2, 2.70) vs. Danny Wirchansky LHP (1-1, 4.05) (game two)
The Class-A Cardinals held on to edge the Hammerheads by a 9-8 score in Jupiter on Wednesday.
Starter Nolan Sparks went three innings, gave up two runs on five hits, struck out five and walked two.
All three relievers were also scored upon. Angel Cuenca surrendered two runs in two innings but received the win. Randel Clemente yielded one run in two innings. Christian Worley allowed three runs in the final two innings.
— Palm Beach Cardinals (@GoPBCardinals) May 7, 2025
Jupiter went up 1-0 in the first inning and 2-0 in the second. The Beach Birds answered in the home second with four runs to take the lead. Yordalin Pena hit a solo home run. Sammy Hernandez and Anyelo Encarnacion singled. Travis Honeyman drew a walk. Josh Kross plated Hernandez and Encarnacion on a single. Honeyman scored on a balk.
The Hammerheads tied the game in the top of the fifth but Palm Beach regained the lead in the home fifth with three runs. Hernandez and Encarnacion walked. Jonathan Mejia singled and Hernandez scored. Encarnacion came home on a passed ball. Honeyman drove in Mejia on a single.
The Cardinals increased the lead to 9-4 in the sixth. Cade McGee and Christian Martin walked. Hernandez was hit by a pitch. Encarnacion singled to score McGee and Martin.
Jupiter came back with single runs in the seventh and eighth, and two in the ninth. With the tying run on third, Worley fanned the final batter as the Cardinals held on to win, 9-8.
The Palm Beach offense scored nine runs on 10 hits. Encarnacion was 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored. Honeyman was 2-for-3 with an RBI. Pena was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Kross drove in two.
On the bases, Honeyman stole his fifth of the season. Pena swiped his fourth bag. Jose Suarez stole his third base. Pena and Martin were both picked off first base.
On defense, Mejia made a throwing error.
Palm Beach is 16-13 on the season.
Thursday’s game: vs. Jupiter, RHP Brandt Thompson (11-1, 1.61) vs. TBD 5:30 CT
FCL Cardinals – Off day Wednesday
The rookie level Florida Complex League Cardinals are 1-2 on the season.
Thursday’s game: at FCL Marlins, RHP Jefferson Moran (FCL debut) vs. TBD 11:00 am CT.
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photo: Jose Suarez (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)
The St. Louis Cardinals system was 1-3 on Tuesday. The Cardinal Nation’s Player of the Day, Palm Beach RF Jose Suarez, was 3-for-4 with a walk, an RBI and two runs scored. Other standouts include Ian Bedell, Jon Jon Gazdar, Ian Petrutz, Christian Martin and Jonathan Mejia.
In the series opener in Charlotte, the Memphis Redbirds fell to the Knights in 11 innings on Tuesday.
Starter Ian Bedell had one of his better outings of the year. The right-hander pitched 4 2/3 innings, gave up one run on three hits, fanned eight and walked two.
Andre Granillo surrendered one run in 1 1/3 innings of relief. Oddanier Mosqueda threw a scoreless seventh. Riley O’Brien allowed one run in the eighth. Ryan Fernandez hurled a scoreless ninth. Zack Weiss yielded two runs, one earned, in the 10th and took the loss.
Memphis did all their scoring in the first inning, going 3-0. José Fermín doubled. Michael Siani dropped down a sac bunt. Iván Herrera drove in Fermín on a single. Jimmy Crooks grounded into a force out, with Herrera out at second. Thomas Saggese hit a two-run home run.
Charlotte shrunk the lead to 3-2 in the fifth and tied the game in the eighth. In the bottom of the 11th, the Knights put up two runs to win in a walk off 5-3.
Memphis scored three runs on six hits. No Redbird hitter had multiple hits. Saggese had two RBI. The offense had its chances but was 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position and left 10 men on base.
Saggese stole his first base of the season. He was also caught stealing. On defense, Gavin Collins was tagged with catcher interference.
The Redbirds are 19-13 on the season.
Wednesday’s game: at Charlotte, RHP Michael Gomez (0-0, 3.38) vs. Mike Clevinger RHP (0-0, 3.00) 10:05 am CT.
Springfield at Arkansas (postponed)
Springfield’s Tuesday road game was postponed due to inclement weather. It will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Thursday, May 8.
Springfield is 12-15 on the season.
Wednesday’s game: at Arkansas, LHP Ixan Henderson (2-1, 2.79) vs. RHP Dylan File (1-1, 5.61) 6:35 pm CT.
At Dozer Park, the High-A Chiefs lost to the Timber Rattlers by the score of 14-9 on Tuesday. Starter Cade Winquest pitched 3 2/3 scoreless innings, allowed three hits, struck out four and walked two.
In 5 1/3 innings, the leaky Peoria bullpen yielded 14 runs as the Chiefs gave up two different five-run leads.
Tanner Jacobson relieved Winquest and surrendered one run in 1 2/3 innings. Michael Watson allowed two unearned runs in 1/3 of an inning. Dionys Rodriguez yielded six runs in just 2/3 of an inning and took the loss. Joseph King gave up two runs in 1 2/3 innings and was charged with a blown save. D.J. Carpenter allowed three runs in 2/3 of an inning. Jawilme Ramirez got the final out of the ninth.
Peoria went up 1-0 in the first inning as Jon Jon Gazdar doubled and scored on a double by Ian Petrutz. The Chiefs added four runs in the second to lead 5-0. Johnfrank Salazar and Miguel Villarroel singled. Michael Curialle reached on a fielder’s choice with a fielding error. Trey Paige singled and Salazar scored. Gazdar plated Villarroel and Curialle on a single. Paige came home on a single by Petrutz.
Wisconsin cut the lead to 5-3 in the top of the sixth. The Chiefs answered with three runs in the home sixth to widen the lead to 8-3. Villarroel walked. Curialle hit a two-run home run to left field. Paige singled. Joshua Baez and Petrutz walked to load the bases. Ryan Campos walked and Paige scored.
The Timber Rattlers stormed back to take the lead with a seven-run seventh inning. They added a run in the top of the eighth.
Peoria made it 11-9 in the bottom of the eighth on a solo home run by Baez. Wisconsin added another three runs in the ninth for the final margin of five runs.
The Chiefs scored nine runs on 11 hits. Gazdar was 3-for-5 with two RBI. Petrutz was 2-for-4 with two RBI. Pagie was 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored. Curialle had two RBI.
On the bases, Gazdar stole his fourth base of the season. On defense, Paige made a fielding error.
Peoria is 8-19 on the season.
Wednesday’s game: vs. Wisconsin, Jose Davila RHP (1-2, 9.00) vs. Chandler Welch RHP (0-2, 6.26) 11:05 am CT.
Regular starter Braden Davis relieved Rom and surrendered four runs in 3 2/3 innings. Conor Steinbaugh yielded one run in 1 1/3 innings. Sam Brodersen allowed one unearned run in the final two innings and received the win.
The Beach Birds took a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Jonathan Mejia hit a ground rule double. Josh Kross singled. Mejia scored on a passed ball. Jose Suarez drew a walk. Kross and Suarez advanced on a passed ball. Cade McGee walked. Christian Martin reached on a fielder’s choice and Kross scored.
Jupiter cut the lead to 2-1 in the third. Palm Beach added a run in the fourth to lead 3-1. Martin singled. Sammy Hernandez drew a walk. Mejia plated Martin on a single.
The Hammerheads came back to tie the game in the sixth and took the lead 5-3 in the top of the seventh. The Cardinals scored three in the home seventh to retake the lead 6-5. Mejia walked. Travis Honeyman reached on an error. Suarez singled to drive in Mejia. Cade McGee doubled to score Honeyman and Suarez.
Jupiter tied the game in eighth. In the top of the 10th, the Hammerheads took a 7-6 lead, but the Cardinals came back with two in the bottom of the 10th to win in a walk off 8-7. With Suarez on second, McGee advanced him to third on a ground out and Martin singled to bring him home. Luis Pino was hit by a pitch. Hernandez walked. Anyelo Encarnacion walked and Martin scored.
The offense scored eight runs on 10 hits. Suarez was 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. Martin was 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. Mejia was 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. McGee drove in two.
On the bases, Martin was caught stealing. On defense, Mejia made a throwing error. Hernandez had a passed ball.
Palm Beach is 15-13 on the season.
Wednesday’s game: vs. Jupiter, RHP Nolan Sparks (1-0, 2.45) vs. TBD 5:30 CT
The Rookie Level Cardinals lost to the Nationals by a 7-5 score on Tuesday. Starter Ronny Oliver pitched 2 1/3 innings, gave up five runs, four earned, on four hits, struck out three and walked one. Oliver took the loss.
Antoni Cuello relieved Oliver and threw 2/3 of a scoreless inning. Giovanni Vargas surrendered one run in the fourth. Andrew Bolivar yielded one run in the final three innings.
The Nationals took a 2-0 lead in the first inning, then added three in the third and one in the fourth to lead 6-0.
The Cardinals answered in the home fourth with a solo home run by Raniel Rodriguez. They made it 6-2 in the fifth on a solo shot by Yancel Guerrero.
In the top of the sixth, the Nationals scored their seventh and final run. The Cardinals answered with three runs in the bottom of frame to pull to within 7-5. Rodriguez hit a ground rule double. Bracewell Taveras reached on an error and Rodriguez scored. Guerrero singled. Hancel Almonte doubled to plate Taveras and Guerrero.
The Cardinals scored five runs on five hits. Rodriguez was 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored. Guerrero was 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored. Almonte had two RBI.
On defense, Guerrero made a fielding error.
The Cardinals are 1-2 on the season.
Wednesday’s game: Off
Now Available – 2025 Cardinals Prospect Guide
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photo: Michael McGreevy (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)
The 4-3 week for the St. Louis Cardinals was defined by a pair of one-run wins on Sunday over the Mets. Up from Memphis, right-hander Michael McGreevy won the nightcap with 5 2/3 innings of shutout ball. We remember four notable MLB debuts during this week in team history.
The St. Louis Cardinals fell to the Reds in the first of a four-game series on Monday at Cincinnati’s Great American Ballpark. Starter Andre Pallante pitched six innings, gave up three runs on six hits, fanned four and walked two. Pallante took the loss.
Riley O’Brien relieved and threw 2/3 of a scoreless inning. John King tossed the final 1 1/3 scoreless innings.
The Cardinals scored their only run of the game in the first inning. Lars Nootbaar doubled and later came home on a double by Nolan Arenado.
The Cardinals shut out the Reds by the score of 6-0 in the opener of the twin bill on Wednesday. Starter Miles Mikolas pitched 5 1/3 scoreless innings, allowed three hits and fanned four to earn his first win of 2025.
The Cardinals went up in the first inning on a solo home run by Masyn Winn. The score remained 1-0 until the ninth inning, when St. Louis put up five runs. Willson Contreras was hit by a pitch. Yohel Pozo singled. Victor Scott launched a three-run home run to right center field. Lars Nootbaar added a solo home run to right center field before Winn hit his second solo home run of the day.
The offense scored six runs on seven hits. Winn was 2-for-3 with two walks, two RBI and two runs scored. Scott was 2-for-3 with three RBI. Pozo was 2-for-4.
On the bases, Scott stole his 10th base of the season. Winn swiped his second bag. Winn was also caught stealing.
The Cardinals defeated the Reds in the second game of the twin bill on Wednesday. Starter Steven Matz pitched four scoreless innings, allowed five hits, and struck out six.
St. Louis posted a three-run first inning to take the lead. Lars Nootbaar drew a walk. Masyn Winn singled. Willson Contreras blasted a three-run home run to center field.
The Cardinals added a run in the second on a solo home run by Pedro Pagés. In the third, the Cardinals put up five runs to widen the lead to 9-0. Winn doubled. Brendan Donovan singled to score Winn. Contreras singled. Nolan Gorman walked. Jordan Walker plated Donovan and Contreras on a double. Gorman came home on a fielder’s choice by Pedro Pagés. Victor Scott drove in Walker on a single.
Cincinnati tallied their only run in the sixth.
The Cardinals scored nine runs on eight hits. Contreras was 2-for-4 with three RBI and two runs scored. Winn was 2-for-5 with two runs scored. Walker and Pagés each drove in two.
The Reds flipped the 9-1 script to a Cardinals defeat on Thursday as the clubs split the series at two games apiece. Starter Matthew Liberatore pitched three innings, gave up two runs on two hits, struck out two and walked one. Liberatore took the loss.
None of the three relievers escaped unscathed, either. Matt Svanson followed Liberatore and surrendered two runs in two innings. Riley O’Brien yielded three runs in 1 2/3 innings. John King allowed two runs, one earned, in the final 1 1/3 innings.
The Reds took a 2-0 lead in the second inning. St. Louis scored their only run in the third when Brendan Donovan singled and came home on a single by Nolan Arenado with a fielding error.
Cincinnati added two runs in the fourth, one in the sixth, three in the seventh, and a final run in the eighth.
The Cardinals scored one run on three hits, all singles. In addition to Donovan and Arenado, Yohel Pozo had the third hit. The offense was 0-for-2 with runners in scoring position and left five men on base.
On defense, Willson Contreras made a throwing error.
The Cardinals again lost to the Mets, their ninth straight to the New Yorkers, in the first of a three-game weekend set at Busch Stadium. Starter Sonny Gray pitched 4 1/3 innings, gave up six runs, four earned, on nine hits, fanned six and walked three. Gray took the loss.
Chris Roycroft relieved Gray and threw 2/3 of a scoreless inning. John King surrendered one run in the sixth. Roddery Muñoz yielded one run in two innings. Infrequently used Ryan Helsley, pitching in a 8-3 game, allowed the final Mets run in the ninth.
The Cardinals took the initial lead. In the first inning, Lars Nootbaar doubled, stole third base, and scored on a single by Masyn Winn.
New York immediately answered with two runs in the second. St. Louis added two runs in the third to regain the lead 3-2. Victor Scott singled and advanced to second on a ground out by Nootbaar. Scott stole third base and scored on a throwing error. Winn singled and later came home on a single by Willson Contreras.
The Mets stormed back with four runs in the fifth inning to take the lead for good.
The Cardinals scored three runs on nine hits. Winn was 3-for-4 with an RBI. Contreras was 2-for-4 with an RBI.
On the bases, Nootbaar stole his fourth base of the season. Scott swiped his 11th bag. Winn was caught stealing.
On defense, Contreras had a costly missed catch error at first base that opened the gates for the Mets’ fifth inning rally.
Saturday, May 3, 2025 – Cardinals vs. Mets (postponed)
Saturday’s game was postponed due to inclement weather, St. Louis’ second rainout of the week. It was played as part of a doubleheader on Sunday.
The Cardinals edged the Mets by the score of 6-5 for their first win against the New Yorkers in six head-to-head contests in 2025. Starter Erick Fedde pitched five innings, gave up three runs on six hits, struck out four and walked five but received the win.
Kyle Leahy relieved Fedde and threw two scoreless innings. Phil Maton surrendered two runs in 1/3 of an inning. JoJo Romero hurled 2/3 of a scoreless inning. Ryan Helsley tossed a scoreless ninth to earn his fifth save.
The Mets scored one run in the first inning. The Cardinals tied the game in the second on a solo home run by Willson Contreras.
New York regained the lead 2-1 in the top of the third. The Cardinals re-tied the score in the home third. Brendan Donovan, Nolan Arenado and Contreras singled. Nolan Gorman flied into a sacrifice double play as Donovan scored.
St. Louis increased their lead with four runs in the fourth. Victor Scott singled. Jose Barrero was hit by a pitch. Alec Burleson walked. Donovan plated Scott and Barrero on a single. Arenado walked. Contreras drove in Burleson and Donovan on a single.
The Cardinals beat the Mets in a second one-run win of the day. In the process, St. Louis swept the Sunday doubleheader and took the home series.
Andre Pallante did not fare well in his start. The right-hander pitched 3 1/3 innings, gave up four runs on nine hits, struck out one and walked four.
Newly recalled Michael McGreevy relieved Pallante and pitched the remainder of the game. The right hander threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings, allowed one hit, fanned five and walked one to earn the win.
The Cardinals took a second-inning lead on a two-run home run by Alec Burleson. The Mets answered in the top of the third, taking a 4-2 lead.
St. Louis came back in the home third to tie the game at 4-4. Lars Nootbaar and Masyn Winn walked. Nolan Arenado plated Nootbaar on a single. Willson Contreras drove in Winn on a single.
In the sixth, the Cardinals broke the tie to lead 5-4. Yohel Pozo singled and Victor Scott doubled to drive him in.
The Cardinals offense scored five runs on nine hits. Arenado was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Pozo was 2-for-4. Burleson had two RBI.
Shortstop Masyn Winn left the game in the fifth inning with a left ankle sprain. He had twisted his ankle two innings earlier in a running play at third base.
The Big Picture
The Cardinals played four in Cincinnati against the Reds, and three at home with the Mets. They split the Reds series 2-2 and won the Mets series 2-1, for a 4-3 week. The Cardinals remain in fourth place in the NL Central with a record of 16-19. They are five games back of the first place Cubs.
The offense slacked off from the previous week and a couple of the stalwarts had a rougher week than usual. The top performers by OPS for the week were Masyn Winn (1.185), Victor Scott (1.111), and Willson Contreras (1.089)
At the bottom were Alec Burleson (.468), Jordan Walker (.445), Jose Barrero (.311), Luken Baker (.250), and Nolan Gorman (.200).
Lars Nootbaar (.583) and Brendan Donovan (.650) have cooled from recent weeks.
On the pitching side, only two starters had ERAs for the week under 4.00, Miles Mikolas (0.00) and Steven Matz (0.00). The remaining starters struggled. Sonny Gray in particular had a tough start with an ERA of 8.31 against the Mets. Erick Fedde and Andre Pallante also struggled in their starts against the Mets. Pallante also had a start against the Reds and finished the week with an ERA of 6.75. Pallante lasted only 3 1/3 innings in his Mets start on Sunday but recent callup Michael McGreevy was stellar in his 5 2/3 innings in relief of Pallante.
Bullpen bombs were Phil Maton (54.00) and Riley O’Brien (11.57). O’Brien has been optioned to Memphis. The rest of the bullpen was good to decent.
The pitching and the offense need to improve going forward. In the coming week, the team plays three versus the Pirates, then heads out on a road trip, starting with a weekend series in Washington against the Nationals following Thursday’s off day.
NL Central Standings
Team
W
L
Pct
GB
Chicago
21
14
0.600
Cincinnati
18
17
0.514
3
Milwaukee
17
18
0.486
4
St. Louis
16
19
0.457
5
Pittsburgh
12
23
0.343
9
Trade and Acquisition Rumors
There are no trade and acquisition rumors to report.
Transactions
4/28 The Cardinals selected the contract of SS Jose Barrero from the Memphis Redbirds.
4/28 The Cardinals optioned SS Thomas Saggese to the Memphis Redbirds.
4/28 The Cardinals designated RHP Ryan Loutos for assignment.
4/30 The Cardinals recalled RHP Gordon Graceffo from the Memphis Redbirds (27th man doubleheader)
5/1 The Cardinals optioned RHP Gordon Graceffo to the Memphis Redbirds.
5/1 The Cardinals traded RHP Ryan Loutos to the Los Angeles Dodgers for cash.
5/1 The Cardinals sent C Iván Herrera on a rehab assignment to the Memphis Redbirds.
5/2 The Cardinals optioned RHP Riley O’Brien to the Memphis Redbirds.
5/2 The Cardinals recalled RHP Roddery Muñoz from the Memphis Redbirds.
5/2 The Cardinals recalled RHP Chris Roycroft from the Memphis Redbirds.
5/2 The Cardinals optioned RHP Matt Svanson to the Memphis Redbirds.
5/3 The Cardinals optioned RHP Roddery Muñoz to the Memphis Redbirds.
5/3 The Cardinals recalled RHP Michael McGreevy from the Memphis Redbirds.
5/4 The Cardinals recalled RHP Roddery Muñoz from the Memphis Redbirds (27th man doubleheader).
5/5 Muñoz returned to Memphis.
Injury Report
LHP Zack Thompson (left lat strain) was placed on the 15-day injured list on March 24. He is now throwing from 100 feet but will need a full build up before returning to the mound. No return date has been reported.
C Iván Herrera (left knee bone bruise) was sent on a rehab assignment to the Memphis Redbirds and has played in four games, batting .429. Herrera could return sometime this week.
SS Masyn Winn was removed from Sunday’s game after the fourth inning against the Mets with a left ankle sprain. The injury was labeled “mild” by manager Oli Marmol, and Winn is considered day to day for the time being.
Looking Ahead
Following the Mets series win, on Monday, the Pirates come to town for three. Miles Mikolas is scheduled for the Monday start, followed by Matthew Liberatore on Tuesday and Sonny Gray on Wednesday.
After a travel day on Thursday, May 8, the Cardinals play the Washington Nationals in a three-game series. The road trip continues with three at the Phillies followed by a travel day on Thursday, May 15. The Cardinals finish the road trip with a weekend series against the Royals in Kansas City.
The team then returns to St. Louis to begin a homestand starting with a three-game set with the Detroit Tigers beginning Monday, May 19. That homestand will continue with a weekend series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Blast from the Past
This week’s Blast of the Past continues the series that began last season here, the Debut Series. In this series, we chronicle the major league debuts of notable current and former Cardinals during a relevant period in franchise history.
This week the installment looks at Cardinals players who made their major league debuts during the period April 28 through May 4.
Greg Garcia (Steve Mitchell/USA TODAY Sports)
April 28, 2014 – Two Cardinals made their debuts on this day in 2014. The first was Greg Garcia, who entered as a pinch hitter in a 5-3 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers at Busch Stadium. Hitting for reliever Pat Neshek in the seventh inning, Garcia drew a walk. He was stranded when Matt Carpenter and Jon Jay struck out.
Garcia’s first major league hit came two days later in a 9-3 win over the Brewers at Busch Stadium. Garcia was in the starting lineup, hitting seventh and playing second base. He went 1-for-5 with a run scored. The hit was a double to right in the fifth inning. He scored on a double by starting pitcher Shelby Miller.
Randal Grichuk (USA TODAY Sports Images)
April 28, 2014 – The second player to debut on this day was Randal Grichuk. Grichuk came into the game in the top of the ninth inning (the game was an extra innings loss) to play in right field. He hit ninth in place of starting pitcher Carlos Martinez.
In the bottom of the ninth, Grichuk popped out to the shortstop. He struck out swinging in the 11th. Grichuk’s first hit came the next day in a 5-4 extra inning loss to the Brewers. Grichuk started in center field and hit seventh in the lineup. He went 1-for-5 with three strikeouts. After a single to left in the second inning, he was stranded.
Tyler Greene (USA TODAY Sports)
April 30, 2009 – Shortstop Tyler Greene made his major league debut with the Cardinals, called up to replace the injured Brendan Ryan.
Greene was in the starting lineup playing shortstop and hitting eighth in a 9-4 win over the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Greene went 1-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored. Greene’s first major league hit came in the ninth inning, an infield single to third that scored Rick Ankiel and Joe Thurston. Greene only received one RBI on the play (Ankiel) because Thurston came home on an error.
Carlos Martinez (Jasen Vinlove/Imagn)
May 3, 2013 – Pitcher Carlos Martinez made his major league debut at Miller Park in a 6-1 win over the Brewers. Martinez relieved starter Shelby Miller in the seventh inning. The right-hander pitched the entire inning and gave up one hit but no runs. The hit was a line drive single between short and third. Martinez then induced a double play and secured the final out on a ground out to short.
Two days later, on May 5 against the Brewers, Martinez pitched in relief of Jaime Garcia and recorded his first major league strikeout in the ninth inning, punching out Carlos Gomez.
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The St. Louis Cardinals system was 2-4 on Friday. The Cardinal Nation’s Player of the Day, Memphis RF Matt Koperniak, was 2-for-4 including a home run with two RBI and two runs scored. Other standouts include Matt Lloyd, Hancel Rincon and Brandt Thompson.
Andre Granillo relieved Taylor and threw two scoreless innings to earn his fourth win. Oddanier Mosqueda hurled 1 1/3 scoreless innings. Ryan Fernandez tossed a scoreless ninth.
Memphis opened scoring in the second inning on a two-run home run by Matt Koperniak. Louisville responded with a run in the top of the fourth.
Memphis added a run in the sixth. Lloyd drew a walk and scored on a double by Brody Moore. The Redbirds made it 5-1 in the eighth. Koperniak singled and later came home on a wild pitch.
The offense scored five runs on 11 hits. Koperniak was 2-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored. Lloyd was 2-for-3 with an RBI. Rehabbing St. Louis catcher Iván Herrera was 2-for-3 and played five innings behind the plate.
On the bases, Lloyd stole his third base of the season. On defense, Granillo made a throwing error.
The Redbirds are 18-11 on the season.
Saturday’s game: vs. Louisville, RHP Michael Gomez (0-0, 3.09) vs. TBD (LVL) 3:05 CT
In the opener of a twin bill at Hammons Field, with the start also delayed by rain, the Cardinals lost to the Naturals 3-2. Starter Max Rajcic pitched five innings, gave up three runs, two earned, on five hits, struck out three and walked one. Rajcic took the loss.
Austin Love threw two scoreless innings of relief.
Springfield took a 1-0 lead in the second inning. Chase Davis drew a walk. Miguel Ugueto singled and Davis scored on a throwing error.
Chase Davis shows off the wheels, pushing the envelope to score from first on a single and an error. pic.twitter.com/ZfuKruKrLj
— Springfield Cardinals (@Sgf_Cardinals) May 3, 2025
NW Arkansas tied the game in the top of the fourth before Springfield regained a 2-1 lead in the home half of the inning. Dakota Harris doubled and advanced to third on a balk. Harris came home on a ground out by Ugueto.
The Naturals put up two runs in the fifth to go up 3-2.
Springfield scored two runs on five hits. Harris was 2-for-3.
Jack Ralston relieved Berrios and threw three scoreless innings. Edwin Nunez blew the save in the seventh, surrendering the tying run. Nathanael Heredia compounded the situation by allowing two more runs in the eighth and taking the loss.
The Cardinals went up 1-0 in the fourth. Chase Davis walked but was eliminated in a force out by Dakota Harris. Noah Mendlinger singled. Harris scored on a sac fly by Miguel Ugueto.
Springfield took that 1-0 lead into the seventh inning. The Naturals tied the game in the seventh and then added two more runs in the extra eighth to nail the win.
The Cardinals scored one run on four hits. No Cardinal had multiples. The offense was 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position and left five men on base.
Springfield is 11-14 on the season.
Saturday’s game: vs NW Arkansas, Tekoah Roby RHP (1-1, 1.06) vs. TBA 6:05 CT.
The Chiefs were edged by the Sky Carp in a one run loss to open Friday’s doubleheader at Dozer Park. Starter Jose Davila pitched four innings, gave up two runs on four hits, fanned five and walked two.
Dionys Rodriguez surrendered two runs in 1 2/3 innings of relief and took the loss. Hunter Hayes tossed the final 1 1/3 scoreless innings.
Beloit took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning before Peoria came back to score two runs in the home half. Won-Bin Cho drew a walk and advanced to second and third on two balks. Ryan Campos drove in Cho on a double. Campos scored on a double by Zach Levenson.
The Chiefs added to the lead with one run in the second. Brayden Jobert walked and later scored on a single by Joshua Baez.
The Sky Carp made it 3-2 in the fourth and took the lead 4-3 in the sixth.
Peoria scored three runs on five hits. No Chief had multiple hits.
On the bases, Baez stole his eighth base of the season. Jobert was caught stealing.
The Chiefs earned a split with a win in the second game of the doubleheader with the Sky Carp on Friday. It was the make up for Thursday’s postponement.
Starter Hancel Rincon pitched 5 1/3 innings, gave up one run on three hits, struck out five and walked one to earn the win.
Jawilme Ramirez relieved Rincon, walked one hitter and left the game. D.J. Carpenter secured the final two outs of the sixth. Joseph King tossed a scoreless seventh to earn the save.
Peoria went up 1-0 in the first inning. Jon Jon Gazdar singled and stole second base. Zach Levenson walked. Michael Curialle plated Gazdar on a single.
In the fourth, the Chiefs increased the lead to 3-0. Graysen Tarlow singled and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Tre Richardson drove in Tarlow on a single. Bryce Madron singled. Richardson was caught stealing home. Gazdar walked. Madron came home on a single by Joshua Baez.
Beloit scored their only run in the sixth.
Peoria scored three runs on eight hits. Richardson was 2-for-3 with an RBI. Gazdar was 2-for-3.
On the bases, Gazdar stole his first base of the season. Richardson was caught stealing. On defense, Richardson made a fielding error.
Peoria is 7-17 on the season.
Saturday’s game: vs. Beloit, Darlin Saladin RHP (0-1, 6.28) vs. Jake Brooks RHP (1-1, 10.61) 7:05 CT.
The Low-A Cardinals lost to the Flying Tigers in Lakeland by the score of 2-1 on Friday.
Starter Brandt Thompson pitched five innings, gave up one run on five hits, fanned five and walked one. Thompson, who was named The Cardinal Nation’s April Pitcher of the Month earlier in the day, took the hard-luck loss.
Nelfy Ynfante relieved Thompson and surrendered one run in the final three innings.
The game was scoreless until the fifth inning when Lakeland took a 1-0 lead. They added a second run in the seventh.
The Beach Birds rallied for one run in the ninth. Yordalin Pena tripled and was driven in on a single from Sammy Hernandez.
Palm Beach scored one run on seven hits. Christian Martin was 2-for-4. Pena had the only extra base hit. The offense was 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position and left eight men on base.
Palm Beach is 14-11 on the season.
Saturday’s game: at Lakeland, RHP Leonel Sequera (0-2, 2.11) vs. TBD 5:00 CT
Florida Complex League Cardinals
The rookie level Florida Complex League season begins on Saturday, May 3 with the Cardinals playing under new manager Willi Martin. The full detailed roster, which carries over from extended spring training, can be viewed here.
The FCL Cardinals begin their 2025 season today!
Opening Day Lineup at FCL Mets:
CF Facundo Velasquez SS Yairo Padilla C Rainiel Rodriguez 2B Bracewell Taveras 3B Yancel Guerrero DH Paulo Asprilla 1B Hancel Almonte LF Daniel Rojas RF Yaisel Ramos SP Keiverson Ramirez
— Cardinals Player Development (@CardsPlayerDev) May 3, 2025
Saturday’s game: at FCL Mets, RHP Keiverson Ramirez (US debut) vs. TBA 9:00 am CT.
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The Cardinal Nation Prospect Guide is back for its eighth year. It includes 256 pages of in-depth commentary about the very best St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguers, including dozens of all-new player scouting reports. Order your PDF or printed book copy today!
All paid members can purchase our Prospect Guide PDF at 50% off. Thank you for your support of The Cardinal Nation!
photo: Matt Lloyd (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)
The St. Louis Cardinals system was 1-3 on Wednesday. The Cardinal Nation’s Player of the Day, Matt Lloyd, hit a walkoff grand slam for Memphis. Other standouts include Cesar Prieto, Michael Siani, Braden Davis and Sammy Hernandez.
The Triple-A Redbirds defeated the Bats in walk off fashion on Wednesday at AutoZone Park. In his Triple-A debut, starter Zane Mills pitched 1 2/3 innings, gave up one run on two hits, struck out two and walked two.
Also up from Springfield for the first time, Leonardo Taveras relieved Mills and surrendered three runs in two innings. Ryan Shreve yielded two runs, one earned in 3 1/3 innings and was charged with a blown save. Oddanier Mosqueda tossed the final two scoreless innings for the win.
Memphis went up 3-0 in the first inning. Michael Siani led off with a solo home run to center field. José Fermín singled and stole second base. Jimmy Crooks drew a walk. Thomas Saggese grounded into a force out with Crooks out at second. César Prieto drove in Fermín on a single. Matt Lloyd walked. Ryan Vilade grounded into a force out with Saggese out at home. Bryan Torres walked and Prieto scored.
Louisville cut the lead to 3-1 in the top of the second. The Redbirds answered with one run in the home second. Siani singled and scored on a double by Fermín.
Memphis added a run in the third to increase the lead to 5-1. Vilade doubled. Torres singled. Mike Antico drew a walk. Siani plated Vilade on a sac fly.
The Bats put up three runs in the fourth and two in the fifth to take the lead 6-5. In the bottom of the ninth, the Redbirds rallied for five runs to win in a walk off. Fermín doubled. Crooks drew a walk. Brody Moore pinch ran for Crooks. Saggese walked. Fermín scored on a single by Prieto. Matt Lloyd followed with a grand slam to left center field.
— Cardinals Player Development (@CardsPlayerDev) May 1, 2025
Memphis scored 10 runs on 12 hits. Prieto was 3-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored. Siani was 2-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored. Fermín was 3-for-5 with an RBI. Vilade was 2-for-4. Lloyd had four RBI.
On the bases, Fermín stole his eighth base of the season. On defense, Crooks made a throwing error and Fermín had a fielding miscue.
The Redbirds are 17-10 on the season.
Thursday’s game: vs. Louisville, Ian Bedell RHP (0-1, 7.50) vs. Aaron Wilkerson RHP (2-1, 5.01) 11:05 am CT.
The Double-A Cardinals lost to the Naturals by the score of 6-2 in a seven-inning delayed start game at Hammons Field on Wednesday. Starter Ixan Henderson pitched four innings, gave up three runs on seven hits, struck out four and walked two. Henderson took the loss.
In his Springfield debut, Ricardo Velez relieved Henderson and threw two scoreless innings. Luis Gastelum surrendered three runs in the seventh.
NW Arkansas took a 1-0 lead in the third inning and went up 3-0 in the fourth.
Springfield got on the board in the fifth on a two-run home run by Miguel Ugueto.
— Springfield Cardinals (@Sgf_Cardinals) May 1, 2025
The Naturals widened their lead with three runs in the seventh to win 6-2.
The Cardinals scored two runs on five hits. No Cardinal had multiples. Ugueto had two RBI. The offense was 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position and left six men on base.
Chase Davis stole his second base of the season. Leonardo Bernal swiped his first bag. Jeremy Rivas was picked off first base.
Noah Mendlinger made a throwing error.
Springfield is 10-12 on the season.
Thursday’s game: vs NW Arkansas, Pete Hansen LHP (0-1, 2.20) vs. Ben Kudrna RHP (0-2, 4.82) 6:35 CT.
Tanner Jacobson relieved Winquest and surrendered three runs in 1 2/3 innings to take the loss. Tyler Bradt threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings. Michael Watson tossed the final two scoreless innings.
Peoria took the first lead with one run scored in the second. Miguel Villarroel singled. Brayden Jobert walked. Johnfrank Salazar plated Villarroel on a single.
Beloit tied the game in the top of the third. The Chiefs regained the lead 2-1 in the home third. Won-Bin Cho drew a walk. Villarroel singled. Cho scored on a single by Jobert.
The Sky Carp put up three runs in the fifth to lead 4-2. Peoria loaded the bases in the home fifth but couldn’t bring a run in. The Chiefs plated one run in the ninth to shrink the final score to 4-3. Zach Levenson tripled and scored on a wild pitch.
The offense scored three runs on 10 hits. Jobert and Salazar were both 2-for-4 with an RBI. Joshua Baez was 2-for-3. Villarroel was 2-for-5.
Jobert stole his fourth base of the season. Baez swiped his seventh bag. Suarez stole his third base.
Bradt picked a runner off first base.
Peoria is 6-16 on the season.
Thursday’s game: vs. Beloit, Jose Davila RHP (1-2, 10.06) vs. Karson Milbrandt RHP (0-1, 2.08) 4:00 CT.
Conor Steinbaugh relieved Davis and threw two scoreless innings. Samuel Fabian surrendered three runs in 1/3 of an inning and was tagged with a blown save. Mason Burns hurled 1 2/3 scoreless innings. Jack Findlay yielded three runs, two earned, in 1 1/3 innings and took the loss. Christian Worley tossed the final 2/3 of a scoreless inning.
St. Lucie took a 1-0 lead in the second inning and added a run in the top of the third to lead 2-0.
The Beach Birds tied the game in the home third. Anyelo Encarnacion drew a walk and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Jonathan Mejia walked. Josh Kross doubled to plate Encarnacion and Mejia. The 22-year-okd finished the month with 29 RBI in 19 games!
Palm Beach took a 4-2 lead in the sixth. Yordalin Pena reached on an error and took second base. Jose Suarez singled to drive in Pena. Suarez was out on the throw to second base. Christian Martin singled and stole second. Sammy Hernandez plated Martin on a double.
The Mets regained the lead with three runs in the eighth, but the Cardinals tied the game at 5-5 in the bottom of the ninth. Hernandez and Encarnacion singled. The runners advanced on a sac bunt by Mejia. Hernandez came home on a sac fly by Cade McGee.
Neither team scored in the 10th. St. Lucie plated three runs against Findlay in the top of the 11th. Palm Beach could only score one run in the bottom of the 11th to lose, 8-6. Hernandez started the inning on second and advanced to third on a wild pitch. He came home on a ground out by Mejia.
The Cardinals scored six runs on 10 hits. Hernandez was 2-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored. Suarez was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Travis Honeyman was 2-for-4. Kross had two RBI.
Mejia stole two bases. Pena and Martin each swiped their third bag. On defense, Martin made a fielding error.
Palm Beach is 14-9 on the season.
Thursday’s game: vs. St. Lucie, LHP Drew Rom (Mem rehab) vs. Will Watson RHP (0-0, 1.62) 4:00 CT.
Now Available – 2025 Cardinals Prospect Guide
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All paid members can purchase our Prospect Guide PDF at 50% off. Thank you for your support of The Cardinal Nation!
photo: Patrick Anderson and Jimmy Crooks (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)
The St. Louis Cardinals system was 2-1 on Tuesday. The Cardinal Nation’s Player of the Day, Memphis C Jimmy Crooks, was 2-for-4 with a walk, four RBI and two runs scored. Other standouts include César Prieto, Ryan Vilade, Joshua Baez and Jason Savacool.
The Triple-A Redbirds defeated the Bats by a 9-6 margin at AutoZone Park on Tuesday. Starter Alex Cornwell pitched 4 2/3 innings, gave up six runs on seven hits, struck out one and walked three.
Andre Granillo relieved Cornwell and threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings to earn the win. Ryan Fernandez hurled a scoreless seventh. Chris Roycroft worked around two hits and two walks in the final two scoreless innings to earn his second save.
Louisville went up 2-0 in the top of the first inning, but Memphis answered with five runs in the home half. Michael Siani singled. Jimmy Crooks drew a walk. Thomas Saggese singled. César Prieto doubled to plate Siani and Crooks. Saggese came home on a sac fly by Matt Lloyd. Ryan Vilade hit a two-run home run to left center field.
The Bats added a run in the top of the second but the Redbirds responded again with two runs in the bottom of the frame to widen the lead to 7-3. José Fermín singled. Crooks followed with a two-run home run to left field.
In the fourth and fifth, Louisville shrunk the lead with one and two runs respectively to make it 7-6. The Redbirds put up two insurance runs in the sixth for the final score of 9-6.
The offense scored nine runs on 15 hits. Crooks went 2-for-4 with four RBI and two runs scored. Prieto was 2-for-4 with two RBI. Vilade went 2-for-4 with two RBI. Fermín was 2-for-4. Saggese was 2-for-5. Mike Antico went 3-for-4.
On defense, Lloyd made a throwing error. Antico had an outfield assist at second base.
The Redbirds are 16-10 on the season.
Wednesday’s game: vs. Louisville, Gordon Graceffo RHP (1-2, 5.71) vs. Drew Parrish LHP (0-1, 5.09) 6:05 CT
Springfield vs. NW Arkansas (postponed)
Springfield’s afternoon game was postponed due to bad weather. It will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Friday, May 2.
Having lost eight of their last 10, Springfield is 10-11 on the season.
Wednesday’s game: vs NW Arkansas, LHP Ixan Henderson (2-0, 1.76) vs. RHP Ethan Bosacker (1-2, 5.57) 6:35 CT
The High-A Chiefs fell to the Sky Carp in a 13-9 slugfest at Dozer Park on Tuesday. Starter Gerardo Salas pitched 3 2/3 innings, gave up five runs on seven hits, struck out two and walked one.
Benjamin Arias relieved Salas and surrendered one unearned run in 1 1/3 innings. Joseph King allowed two runs in the sixth. D.J. Carpenter yielded five runs in 1/3 of an inning and took the loss. Angel Gonzalez tossed the final 2 2/3 scoreless innings.
The Chiefs went up 3-0 in the first inning. Jon Jon Gazdar singled. Michael Curialle plated Gazdar on a triple. Zach Levenson followed with a two-run home run to left center field.
Beloit cut the lead to 3-2 in the second and added two more runs in the top of the third to take the lead 4-3.
Peoria rallied for six runs in the home third to regain the lead 9-4. Curialle reached on an error, stole second base and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Brayden Jobert drew a walk. Curialle scored on Miguel Villarroel’s sac fly with a fielding error. Jobert and Villarroel advanced a base on a wild pitch. Trey Paige doubled to score Jobert and Villarroel. Tre Richardson walked. Joshua Baez blasted a three-run home run.
The Sky Carp began chipping away on the Chiefs lead with one run in the fourth, one in the fifth, two in the sixth, and five in the seventh for the final 13-9 edge.
Peoria scored nine runs on seven hits. Gazdar was 2-for-4. Levenson and Paige each had two RBI. Baez drove in three.
On the bases, Curialle stole his second base of the season. Levenson was caught stealing. On defense, Arias and Graysen Tarlow each made pickoff errors. Baez had a throwing error.
Peoria is 6-15 on the season.
Wednesday’s game: vs. Beloit, Cade Winquest RHP (0-2, 5.11) vs. Noble Meyer RHP (0-1, 5.11) 6:35 CT.
Yordy Herrera surrendered one run in two innings of relief. Randel Clemente tossed the final two scoreless innings to earn his first save.
The Beach Birds took a 2-0 lead in the fourth inning. Jonathan Mejia singled. Travis Honeyman drew a walk. Mejia and Honeyman stole the next bag. Florida State League RBI leader Josh Kross doubled to plate both runners.
St. Lucie put up their only run in the sixth. Palm Beach added a third run in the eighth to lead 3-1. Kross walked. Jose Suarez singled. Luis Pino singled. Sammy Hernandez grounded into a force out as Kross came home.
The Cardinals scored three runs on six hits. Mejia was 2-for-3. Kross had two RBI and a run scored.
On the bases, Mejia stole his second base of the season. Honeyman swiped two bags. Suarez stole his second base.
On defense, Anyelo Encarnacion made a throwing error.
Palm Beach is 14-8 on the season.
Wednesday’s game: at Jupiter, RHP Braden Davis (0-0, 3.07) vs. Matt Allan RHP (0-1, 2.70) 5:30 CT.
Now Available – 2025 Cardinals Prospect Guide
The Cardinal Nation Prospect Guide is back for its eighth year. It includes 256 pages of in-depth commentary about the very best St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguers, including dozens of all-new player scouting reports. Order your PDF or printed book copy today!
All paid members can purchase our Prospect Guide PDF at 50% off. Thank you for your support of The Cardinal Nation!
photo: Walt Jocketty (Frank Victores/USA TODAY Sports)
A 3-3 week has the 12-16 St. Louis Cardinals in fourth place. The club mourns the passing of former GM Walt Jocketty. We again remember notable MLB debuts during this week in team history.
Former Cardinals GM Walt Jocketty passes
St. Louis Cardinals fans received unfortunate news this past weekend that the former general manager of the Cardinals and Reds, Walt Jocketty, passed away at the age of 74 after a long illness.
Jocketty headed a Cardinals front office that drafted future Hall of Famers Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina, arranged the trade that brought Adam Wainwright to St. Louis, and persuaded Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa to leave Oakland and take on the managerial duties in St. Louis. In addition to Wainwright, Jocketty also brought to St. Louis Cardinal Hall of Famers Mark McGwire, Scott Rolen, Jim Edmonds, Jason Isringhausen and Chris Carpenter, either through trade or free agency.
Walt Jocketty (AP Photo/Michael Keating)
Jocketty’s tenure in St. Louis included one World Series title, two NL Pennants, and six NL Central Division titles. He also was named Executive of the Year twice, in 2000 and 2004.
After Jocketty left St. Louis, he became the GM of the Cincinnati Reds in 2008 and later was their President of Baseball Operations. Jocketty shepherded the Reds to NL Central titles in 2010 and 2012. He was named Executive of the Year for the third time in 2010. Jocketty continued as the GM/President of Baseball Operations until 2016 when he stepped down and became a Special Advisor to the Reds, a role he retained until his death.
Cardinals Chairman Bill DeWitt issued a statement on the death of Jocketty:
“On behalf of the entire St. Louis Cardinals organization, I would like to offer our condolences to Walt’s family and his many friends. Walt was our first GM when we purchased the ball club, and he helped to lead our baseball operations through some of the franchise’s most successful and memorable years. He will be sorely missed but long remembered for his distinguished career in baseball.”
Jocketty is survived by his wife Susan, and two children, Ashley and Joey.
To open the series in Atlanta, the Cardinals were edged by a 7-6 score on Monday. Starter Erick Fedde pitched six innings, gave up two runs on five hits, struck out three and walked three.
Kyle Leahy threw a scoreless seventh. Normally dependable Phil Maton surrendered four runs in 1/3 of an inning and took the loss. JoJo Romero allowed one run in the final 2/3 of an innins.
The Cardinals took a 2-0 lead in the second. Nolan Gorman doubled and scored on a single by Pedro Pagés. Victor Scott II plated Pagés on a single.
Atlanta answered with two runs in the third to tie the game. In the sixth, St. Louis regained the lead at 3-2. Nolan Arenado doubled and later scored on a single by Gorman.
The Braves came back to score five runs in the eighth to lead 7-3. The Cardinals rallied for three runs in the ninth but fell one run short of tying. Pagés hit a ground rule double. Scott doubled to drive in Pagés. Willson Contreras followed with a two-run home run to left center field.
The Cardinals scored six runs on 11 hits. Scott was 3-for-4 with two RBI. Contreras was 2-for-5 with two RBI. Gorman was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Pagés was 2-for-4 with two runs scored.
The Cardinals beat the Braves in the second game of the series in Atlanta by the score of 10-4. Starter Andre Pallante pitched 4 1/3 innings, gave up four runs on seven hits, struck out one and walked three.
Steven Matz threw 2 2/3 scoreless innings of relief to earn his second win. Kyle Leahy hurled a scoreless eighth and Ryan Helsley tossed a scoreless ninth.
St Louis went up in the third inning on a two-run home run by Lars Nootbaar. Atlanta responded to take the lead with three runs in the fourth.
The Braves added a run in the fifth to increase the lead to 4-2. In the sixth, the Cardinals tied the game. Alec Burleson singled. Jordan Walker drew a walk. Victor Scott II walked. Masyn Winn singled to score Burleson. Walker came home on a wild pitch.
St. Louis took the lead in the eighth with three runs. Scott doubled and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Nootbaar was intentionally walked and stole second base. Willson Contreras walked. Nolan Gorman hit a bases clearing double.
The Cardinals increased their lead to 10-4 in the ninth. Burleson and Pedro Pagés singled. Scott plated Burleson on a double. Pagés scored on a sac fly by Winn. Nootbaar drove in Scott on a single.
The offense scored 10 runs on 12 hits. Nootbaar was 2-for-5 with three RBI and two runs scored. Scott was 3-for-4 with an RBI and three runs scored. Burleson was 2-for-5 with two runs scored. Contreras was 2-for-4. Gorman had three RBI. Winn drove in two.
On the bases, Nootbaar stole his third base of the season. On defense, Pallante and Nolan Arenado both made throwing errors.
On Wednesday, the Cardinals fell to the Braves to lose the road series. Starter Miles Mikolas pitched six scoreless innings, allowed six hits, struck out two and walked two.
However, the bullpen let the potential win get away. John King relieved Mikolas and surrendered one run in 1/3 of an inning. He was charged with a blown save. Kyle Leahy threw 2/3 of a scoreless inning. JoJo Romero allowed two runs in 1/3 of an inning and took the loss. Ryan Fernandez yielded one run in the final 2/3 of an inning.
The Cardinals scored their only run of the game in the top of the first inning. Nolan Gorman walked and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Nolan Arenado plated Gorman on a double.
The Braves tied the game in the seventh, then added three runs in the eighth to win 4-1.
St. Louis scored one run on seven hits. Alec Burleson was 3-for-4.
On the bases, Willson Contreras stole his second game of the season. On defense, Mikolas picked a runner off first base.
The Cardinals edged their NL Central rival Brewers by one run in the series opener on Friday at Busch Stadium. Starter Matthew Liberatore pitched six innings, gave up two runs, one earned, on five hits and fanned four to earn his second win.
Kyle Leahy relieved Liberatore and threw a scoreless seventh. Phil Maton hurled a scoreless eighth. Ryan Helsley tossed a scoreless ninth to earn his fourth save.
The Cardinals went up 1-0 in the fourth inning. Brendan Donovan drew a walk. Nolan Arenado singled, moving Donovan to third. Donovan scored on a sac fly by Nolan Gorman.
St. Louis added two runs in the fifth to lead 3-0. Masyn Winn singled, stole second and advanced to third on a fielding error. Lars Nootbaar plated Winn on a single. Willson Contreras doubled. Nootbaar came home on a single by Donovan.
The Brewers scored single runs in the sixth and seventh to cut St. Louis’ lead to 3-2. The Cardinals held on to win by that margin.
The Cardinals scored three runs on nine hits. Donovan and Nootbaar were both 2-for-3 with an RBI.
Victor Scott stole his ninth base of the season. Winn swiped his first bag. Nootbaar was picked off and caught stealing.
The Cardinals again defeated the Brewers. In the second game of the series, it came via a ninth inning walk off. Starter Sonny Gray pitched six innings, gave up three runs on seven hits, struck out four and walked three.
Steven Matz relieved Gray and threw 2/3 of a scoreless inning. Riley O’Brien hurled 1/3 of a scoreless inning. Phil Maton tossed a scoreless eighth. Ryan Helsley surrendered the tying runs on a two-run home run and was charged with a blown save. He nevertheless received the win after the Cardinals scored in the home ninth.
St. Louis took a 1-0 lead in the second inning. Nolan Gorman led off with a double, advanced to third on a ground out by Thomas Saggese and scored on a sac fly by Pedro Pagés.
In the third, the Cardinals increased the lead to 3-0. Masyn Winn doubled. Lars Nootbaar plated Winn on a double. Nootbaar came home on a double by Brendan Donovan.
The lead widened to 5-0 in the fourth. Winn doubled and scored on a single by Nootbaar. Willson Contreras drove in Nootbaar on a single.
Milwaukee got back in the game with two runs in the fifth and one in the sixth to shrink the lead to 5-3. In the top of the ninth, a two-run home run by Jackson Chourio tied the game at 5-5.
In the home ninth, Nolan Arenado hit a solo home run to left field to walk it off 6-5 for the Cardinals.
The Cardinals scored six runs on 11 hits. Nootbaar was 2-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored. Donovan was 2-for-5 with an RBI. Winn was 2-for-4 with two runs scored. Contreras was 2-for-5.
On defense, Gray picked a runner off second base.
Sunday, April 27, 2025 – Cardinals 1, Brewers 7
The Cardinals were unable to pull off the sweep of the Brewers on Sunday, instead sleepwalking their way to a 7-1 loss behind starter Erick Fedde. Fedde pitched like the offense performed, which was poorly. The right hander gave up seven runs on 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out four and walked two to earn the loss he deserved.
The usually lackluster bullpen pitched better than the starter. JoJo Romero threw 2/3 of scoreless inning. Matt Svanson followed with 1 2/3 scoreless innings. John King tossed a scoreless ninth.
The Brewers put up three runs on Fedde in the first inning. They pummeled him for four more runs in the fourth.
The somnambulant Cardinal offense put one run on the board in the fifth. Lars Nootbaar singled and came home on a double by Brendan Donovan.
St. Louis scored one run on seven hits. Nootbaar was 2-for-4. The offense had its chances, but went 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position and left 11 men on base.
The Big Picture
The Cardinals ended the week 3-3, losing 2 of 3 to the Braves and winning 2 of 3 from the Brewers. The Cardinals’ futility on the road continues. The team is now 12-16 and despite winning the series against the Brewers, they remain 1.5 games back of the Brewers, and 4.5 games back of the first place Cubs. The Cardinals sit in fourth place in the NL Central.
The offense performed better than last week, though not as well as they should have. The top performers for the week by OPS are Willson Contreras (1.025), Lars Nootbaar (.967), Alec Burleson (.962), Brendan Donovan (.944) and Victor Scott (.926).
At the bottom were Luken Baker (.333), Jordan Walker (.311), and Thomas Saggese (.250).
On the pitching side, only two of the five starters ended the week with an ERA under 4.00. They are Miles Mikolas (0.00) and Matthew Liberatore (1.50). Sonny Gray (4.50) just missed the cut. Both Erick Fedde (6.94) and Andre Pallante (8.31) had subpar performances for the week.
The bullpen underperformers for the week are Ryan Fernandez (13.50), Phil Maton (15.43), and JoJo Romero (16.20). Maton had one bad appearance against the Braves. Romero and Fernandez have been struggling for several weeks and Fernandez was optioned to Memphis. Romero had a short appearance on Sunday in which he did not give up runs.
The main issue with this team right now is their inability to win on the road. Why that is the case is a mystery to be solved.
The team embarks on a short road trip to Cincinnati for four games. The Reds have been playing like their hair is on fire and there is no tomorrow. They have won six of their last 10 games, though to put it in perspective they have been playing underperforming opponents, all last place teams. In contrast, the Cardinals have played three better teams, one of which, the Mets, has the best record in the majors right now.
Therefore, the Cardinals must go to Cincinnati and prove the Reds to be a mirage. After the Reds series, St. Louis returns home to a tough challenge in the Mets again.
Without providing details, national writer Bob Nightengale speculates that two teams with closing problems, Arizona and Philadelphia, are interested in acquiring St. Louis’ Ryan Helsley.
Transactions
4/22 The Cardinals optioned CF Michael Siani to the Memphis Redbirds
4/22 The Cardinals activated SS Masyn Winn from the 10-day injured list.
4/25 The Cardinals recalled RHP Riley O’Brien from the Memphis Redbirds
4/25 The Cardinals optioned RHP Ryan Fernandez to the Memphis Redbirds.
Barrero, 27, has a nine-game hitting streak and an 18-game on-base streak. For the season, the right-handed hitter is slashing .299/.396/.517/.913 with 13 RBI and five steals in six tries over 23 Triple-A games.
Whether he plays with St. Louis remains to be seen, however, Barrero can not only back up shortstop, but also center field, which is a need since Michael Siani was sent down last week.
Katie Woo added that Barrero will replace Thomas Saggese on the active roster, with the latter returning to Triple-A.
Called up on April 4, Saggese’s playing time decreased with the return of Winn. In 44 plate appearances over 14 games with St. Louis, the 23-year-old slashed a respectable .341/.364/.512/.876 with seven RBI.
The Cardinals will also need to make a 40-man roster move to accommodate the addition of Barrero. Candidates for removal may include Michael Helman, Ryan Loutos, Roddery Muñoz and Jose Fermin.
Update
On Monday afternoon, the Cardinals confirmed the above transactions while adding that right-handed pitcher Ryan Loutos has been designated for assignment.
The 26-year-old reliever appeared in three games with St. Louis in 2024 and did not allow a run in 2 1/3 innings. Loutos did not make the team out of 2025 spring training and has not been called up this season.
With Memphis in 2025, Loutos has a 3.38 ERA in eight appearances covering eight innings. He also converted both save opportunities he received after going 18-of-20 in the category in 2024.
St. Louis has seven days to pass Loutos through waivers, lose him if claimed, release or trade him.
Injury Report
LHP Zack Thompson (left lat strain) was placed on the 15-day injured list on March 24. Thompson missed most of spring training. He is now throwing from 100 feet but will need a full build up before returning to the mound. No return date has been reported.
C Iván Herrera (left knee bone bruise) injured his knee in a game on April 6 running from first to third base. He is taking batting practice and catching from a fastball machine. His plan is to run the bases this week. He may go on rehab assignment as early as May 1.
SS Masyn Winn (back) was activated from the 10-day injured list and returned to the lineup.
Looking Ahead
The Cardinals begin a four-game series against the Reds in Cincinnati on Monday. Andre Pallante is set for the Monday start. No pitchers have been announced for the remainder of the series, but Steven Matz is expected to return to an expanded rotation.
The Reds series ends on Thursday, May 1, and the Cardinals return home for a weekend series against the Mets. The homestand continues with three versus the Pirates.
After a travel day on Thursday, May 8, the Cardinals visit the Washington Nationals for three. The road trip continues with three games at the Phillies followed by a travel day on Thursday, May 15.
The Cardinals finish the road trip with a weekend set with the Royals in Kansas City.
Blast from the Past
This week’s Blast of the Past continues our series that began last season, the Debut Series. We chronicle the major league debuts of notable current and former Cardinals during a relevant period in franchise history.
This week the installment looks at Cardinals who made their major league debuts during the period April 21 through April 27. The name of player, the date he debuted, how he performed, and any other relevant details are noted.
John Mabry (Steve Mitchell/USA TODAY Sports)
April 23, 1994 –John Mabry made his major league debut with the Cardinals in a 15-5 loss to the Houston Astros at Busch Stadium. Mabry played right field and hit sixth in the lineup. He went 1-for-4 with an RBI.
Mabry’s hit was an RBI double to center in the fourth inning that scored Bernard Gilkey. Mabry played for the Cardinals in three separate stints, 1994-98, 2001, and 2004-05. Mabry then worked as an analyst for Fox Sports Midwest and later was the assistant hitting coach/hitting coach for the Cardinals during the managerial tenure of Mike Matheny. After Matheny was fired, he followed Matheny to the Kansas City Royals. He later was a coach with the Miami Marlins.
April 25, 2022 – Current Cardinal Brendan Donovan made his major league debut in a 5-2 loss to the Mets at Busch Stadium. Donovan entered the game as a pinch runner for Yadier Molina in the eighth inning and scored a run on a Tyler O’Neil single.
Donovan was in the starting lineup the next day against the Mets, playing at first base and hitting ninth. He went 0-for-2 but was on base once on a hit by pitch. He collected his first hit, a single to right, two days later against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Jon Jay (USA TODAY Sports)
April 26, 2010 – Current outfield coach Jon Jay made his major league debut with the Cardinals on this date. In a 4-3 win over the Braves at Busch Stadium, Jay entered the game as a pinch hitter for Kyle Lohse in the sixth inning. He struck out swinging.
Jay had his first hit in the first game he started, on April 30 against the Reds at Busch Stadium. The right fielder hit second and went 1-for-3 with a run scored. The hit was a ground rule double to left against Reds starter Johnny Cueto. Jay later scored on a single by Matt Holliday.
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The St. Louis Cardinals system was 3-2 on Friday. The Cardinal Nation’s Player of the Day, Palm Beach CF Yordalin Pena, was 3-for-6 with four RBI and three runs scored. Other standouts include Gordon Graceffo, Jose Barrero, Jimmy Crooks, Pete Hansen and Jose Suarez.
Ryan Loutos relieved Graceffo and tossed a scoreless seventh.
Memphis went up 9-0 in the first inning. Michael Siani and José Fermín were hit by pitches. Jose Barrero doubled to plate Fermín. Koperniak and Barrero came home on a single by Jimmy Crooks. Ryan Vilade walked. Bryan Torres singled. Mike Antico walked and Crooks scored. As the lineup turned over, Vilade came home on a ground out by Siani. Fermín walked. Koperniak singled and the bases cleared with a throwing error.
The Redbirds beat the Tides in the second game of the twin bill on Friday. Starter Ian Bedell pitched four innings, gave up four runs on five hits, struck out two and walked three.
Oddanier Mosqueda relieved Bedell and surrendered one run two innings for the win. Chris Roycroft tossed a scoreless seventh to earn the save.
Norfolk took a 4-0 lead in the second inning. In the fifth, Memphis closed the gap to 4-3. Gavin Collins singled. Bryan Torres walked. Mike Antico plated Collins on a double. César Prieto walked. Jose Barrero walked and Torres scored. Jimmy Crooks singled to drive in Torres.
The Redbirds tied the game in the top of the sixth. Matt Lloyd drew a walk and advanced to second and third on ground outs by Collins and Torres. Lloyd came home on a wild pitch.
The Tides regained the lead 5-4 in the home sixth. In the seventh, Memphis pulled ahead, 7-5. José Fermín drew a walk. Prieto singled. Barrero blasted a three-run home run to left field.
Leonardo Taveras surrendered one run in two innings of relief. Luis Gastelum tossed a scoreless eighth.
Wichita went up 1-0 in the second inning before Springfield tied the game in the fifth. Ramon Mendoza and Miguel Ugueto singled. Darlin Moquete plated Mendoza on a single.
The Wind Surge regained the lead at 2-1 in the seventh. The Cardinals couldn’t answer.
Springfield scored one run on five hits. Moquete was 2-for-3 with an RBI.
Springfield is 9-10 on the season.
Saturday’s game: at Wichita, Max Rajcic RHP (1-1, 5.27) vs. Connor Prielipp LHP (0-1, 5.87) 4:05 CT.
The High-A Chiefs fell to the River Bandits by the score of 13-4 on Friday. Starter Jose Davila pitched 3 2/3 innings, gave up eight runs on 13 hits, fanned five and walked one. Davila took the loss.
Angel Gonzalez relieved Davila and threw two scoreless innings. Dionys Rodriguez surrendered five runs in the final 2 1/3 innings.
The River Bandits tallied a lot of crooked numbers, scoring two runs in the first inning, four in the third, two in the fourth, two in the seventh, and three in the eighth to lead 13-0.
Peoria failed to score until the ninth inning, when the offense put up four runs. Joshua Baez reached on catcher’s interference. Miguel Villarroel tripled to drive in Baez. Villarroel scored on a sac fly by Johnfrank Salazar. Chase Adkison drew a walk. Bryce Madron singled. Adkison came home on a single by Tre Richardson. Ryan Campos drew a walk. Madron scored on a wild pitch.
The Chiefs scored four runs on six hits. Villarroel was 2-for-3 with an RBI. Richardson was 2-for-4 with an RBI.
On the bases, Zach Levenson stole his third base of the season. Villarroel was caught stealing.
On defense, Richardson made a fielding error. Madron had an outfield assist at first base.
Peoria is 5-13 on the season.
Saturday’s game: at Quad Cities, Hancel Rincon RHP (0-0, 3.97) vs. Frank Mozzicato LHP (1-0, 1.72) 5:30 CT.
Joseph King relieved Sparks and threw two scoreless innings to earn the win. Nelfy Ynfante surrendered one run in the final three innings for his first save.
Jupiter took a 1-0 lead in the second inning. The lead remained until the fifth, when the Beach Birds offense exploded for eight runs. Jose Cordoba doubled. Jonathan Mejia and Christian Martin walked. Josh Kross was hit by a pitch and Cordoba scored. Jose Suarez singled to plate Mejia and Martin. Suarez and Kross advanced on a passed ball. Yordalin Pena drove in Kross and Suarez on a single. Pena stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Luis Pino was hit by a pitch. Sammy Hernandez doubled to score Pena and Pino. Hernandez crossed the plate on a double by Cordoba.
Palm Beach added a run in the seventh. Pino doubled and later came home on a single by Anyelo Encarnacion.
The Cardinals further blew up the score with six runs in the top of the eighth. Kross singled. Suarez doubled. Pena doubled to plate Kross and Suarez. Pino singled and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Sammy Hernadez walked. Pena scored on a wild pitch. Pino scored on a wild pitch. Cordoba and Encarnacion each walked. Hernandez scored on a wild pitch. Cordoba came home on a ground out by Martin.
The Hammerheads scored their second run in the home eighth. In the ninth, Palm Beach added a final run for the final score of 16-2. Pena doubled and scored on a double by Pino.
The Cardinals offense accumulated 16 runs on 17 hits. Pena was 3-for-6 with four RBI and three runs scored. Suarez was 4-for-6 with two RBI and two runs scored. Hernandez was 2-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored. Pino was 3-for-5 with an RBI and three runs scored. Cordoba was 2-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored. Encarnacion was 2-fof-4 with an RBI.
On the bases, Martin stole his first base of the season. Pena stole two bases. Martin was picked off and caught stealing.
Palm Beach is 12-7 on the season.
Saturday’s game: at Jupiter RH Brandt Thompson (1-0, 2.08) vs. TBD 5:00 CT.
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The St. Louis Cardinals system was 1-2 on Wednesday. The Cardinal Nation’s Player of the Day, 3B Dakota Harris, was 2-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored in Springfield’s extra inning loss. Other standouts include Darlin Moquete, R.J. Yeager, Jon Jon Gazdar, Michael Curialle and Josh Kross.
Results for games played Wednesday, April 23.
Memphis at Norfolk (postponed)
Wednesday’s Triple-A game in Norfolk was postponed due to an avoidable field issue (wet grounds). It will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Friday, April 25.
The Redbirds are 10-9 but are only a half-game out of first place in the International League West Division.
Thursday’s game: at Norfolk, Alex Cornwell LHP (1-1, 12.15) vs. Raul Alcantara LHP (0-1, 3.86) 11:05 am CT.
The Cardinals were edged by the Wind Surge in a 7-6 10-inning contest on Wednesday. Starter Ixan Henderson pitched 5 1/3 innings, gave up two runs on five hits and fanned five.
Zane Mills relieved Henderson and surrendered two runs in two innings. Nick Raquet yielded two runs in 1 1/3 innings and was charged with a blown save. Osvaldo Berrios allowed one unearned run in 1/3 of an inning and took the loss.
The Cardinals took a 3-0 lead in the top of the fourth. Chase Davis and R.J. Yeager singled. Dakota Harris doubled to score Davis. Yeager came home on a sac fly by Miguel Ugueto. Darlin Moquete singled to plate Harris.
The Wind Surge answered with two runs in the home fourth to cut the lead to 3-2. Springfield added a run in the seventh to increase the lead to 4-2. Moquete singled and stole second base. Nathan Church singled and Moquete scored.
The Cardinals scored two more in the top of the eighth to lead 6-2. Yeager doubled and came home on Harris’ single. Harris advanced to second on a wild pitch and was driven in on a single by Carlos Linarez.
The Wind Surge again closed the gap with two runs in the bottom of the eighth. In the ninth, two more runs by Wichita tied the game at 6-6.
Springfield was unable to score the ghost runner from second in the top of the 10th, but Wichita quickly did so with one out in the bottom of the inning to win in a walk off, 7-6.
The Cardinals scored six runs on 13 hits. Harris was 2-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored. Moquete was 2-for-5 with an RBI. Nathan Church was 3-for-5. Yeager was 3-for-5 with two runs scored.
On the bases, Moquete stole his fourth base of the season. Church swiped two bags. Jeremy Rivas stole his fifth base. Yeager was caught stealing.
Losers of six straight, Springfield is 8-9 on the season. The Cardinals are in fourth place, five games out of the division lead.
Thursday’s game: at Wichita, Tekoah Roby RHP (0-1, 1.50) vs. Trent Baker RHP (0-1, 2.31) 6:35 CT.
D.J. Carpenter relieved Salas and threw a scoreless inning to earn the win. Benjamin Arias hurled 2 2/3 scoreless innings. Hunter Hayes tossed the final 1 1/3 scoreless innings to earn his first save.
Peoria went up 4-0 in the second inning. Joshua Baez and Miguel Villarroel singled. Michael Curialle plated Baez and Villarroel on a double. Graysen Tarlow reached on an error. Jon Jon Gazdar tripled to score Curialle and Tarlow.
Quad Cities scored their only run in the fourth. The Chiefs added a fifth run in the eighth. Zach Levenson walked, stole second base, and came home on a double by Baez.
Peoria scored five runs on six hits. Baez was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Gazdar and Curialle each had two RBI.
On the bases, Levenson stole his second base of the season. Baez was caught stealing. On defense, Villarroel made a throwing error.
Peoria is 5-11, in fifth place, six games behind the division leaders (Quad Cities and Cedar Rapids).
Thursday’s game: at Quad Cities, Cade Winquest RHP (0-1, 4.15) vs. Hunter Patteson LHP (1-0, 0.54) 6:30 CT.
Sam Brodersen surrendered three runs in 2/3 of an inning and took the loss. Yordy Herrera threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings. Christian Worley tossed a scoreless eighth.
The Beach Birds took the lead in the fourth inning on a two-run home run by Josh Kross, his league-leading sixth on the year. Jupiter answered with one run in the fifth to cut the lead in half.
In the sixth, the Hammerheads concluded the game’s scoring with three runs to pull ahead, 4-2.
Palm Beach scored two runs on five hits. No Cardinal had multiples. Kross drove in two. The offense was 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position and left six men on base.
On the bases, Jonathan Mejia was picked off first base. On defense, Luis Pino made a fielding error. Kross had a passed ball. Savacool picked two runners off first base.
Palm Beach is 10-7, tied for first place in the division.
Thursday’s game: at Jupiter, LHP Braden Davis (0-0, 4.09) vs. TBA 5:30 CT.
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The St. Louis Cardinals system was 2-2 on Tuesday. The Cardinal Nation’s Player of the Day, Palm Beach RF Yordalin Peña, was 3-for-4 with a home run, three RBI, two runs scored, and a walk. Other standouts include Michael McGreevy, Ryan Vilade, Matt Lloyd and José Fermín.
Chris Roycroft relieved McGreevy and threw a scoreless seventh. Curtis Taylor surrendered two runs in the eighth. Ryan Shreve tossed a scoreless ninth.
Memphis put five runs on the board in the fourth inning. Jimmy Crooks led off with a solo home run to left center field. Ryan Vilade and César Prieto singled. Gavin Collins was hit by a pitch. Matt Lloyd drove in Vilade and Prieto on a double. José Fermín plated Collins and Lloyd on a single.
The Redbirds increased the lead to 8-0 in the fifth. Jose Barrero singled and advanced to second on a passed ball. Crooks drew a walk. Vilade hit a three-run home run to left center field.
Norfolk responded with one run in the sixth and two runs in the eighth to cut the lead to 8-3.
Memphis scored eight runs on 13 hits. Vilade was 2-for-4 with three RBI and two runs scored. Lloyd was 3-for-5 with two RBI. Fermín was 2-for-4 with two RBI. Barrero was 2-for-4.
On the bases, Barrero stole his fifth base of the season. Fermín was caught stealing.
The Redbirds are 10-9 on the season.
Wednesday’s game: at Norfolk, Alex Cornwell LHP (1-1, 12.15) vs. Raul Alcantara LHP (0-1, 3.86) 5:35 CT.
The Cardinals bullpen pitched badly and was responsible for the walloping the team took. Jack Ralston took the loss but was not the major culprit. Ralston surrendered two runs in 1 1/3 innings. Luis Gastelum hurled 1 2/3 scoreless innings. Edwin Nuñez coughed up six runs in just 1/3 of an inning. Nathanael Heredia finished the slaughter by yielding three more runs before securing the final two outs of the eighth.
Springfield scored their only run in the top of the fourth inning. Nathan Church doubled and later came home on a double by Jeremy Rivas.
Wichita tied the game in the home fourth. The Wind Surge added two runs in the sixth and then beat up on the Springfield bullpen in the eighth for nine more runs.
The offense scored one run on seven hits. Chase Davis was 2-for-4. The offense was 3-for-9 with runners in scoring position and left seven men on base.
Davis stole his first base. On defense, Rivas made a throwing error, and Nuñez made an error on a pickoff. Leonardo Bernal had a passed ball.
Springfield is 8-8 on the season.
Wednesday’s game: at Wichita, Ixan Henderson LHP (2-0, .090) vs. TBS (WCH) 11:05 am CT.
The High-A Chiefs were pounded by the River Bandits in a 10-3 road loss on Tuesday. Starter Darlin Saladin pitched three innings, gave up seven runs on 10 hits, struck out three and walked three. Saladin took the loss.
Michael Watson relieved Saladin and threw two hitless, scoreless innings. Tyler Bradt surrendered two runs, one earned, in 1 1/3 innings. Ricardo Velez yielded one unearned run in the final 1 2/3 innings.
Quad Cities took the lead 1-0 in the second inning, then increased the lead to 4-0 in the second.
In the top of the fourth, Peoria cut the lead to 4-3. Jon Jon Gazdar drew a walk. Ryan Campos singled. Gazdar and Campos advanced on a wild pitch. Joshua Baez drove in Gazdar on a single. Won-Bin Cho plated Campos on a double. Baez scored on a sac fly by Miguel Villarroel.
The River Bandits added to their lead with three runs in the home fourth. In the sixth, seventh and eighth, Quad Cities posted one run each for the final tally of 10 runs.
Peoria scored three runs on five hits. No Chief had multiple hits. Cho’s double was the only extra base hit.
On the bases, Gazdar was picked off first. Peoria had a rough game on defense, as Curialle, Villarroel and Campos made throwing errors. Saladin committed an error on a pickoff. Baez had an outfield assist at second base.
Peoria is 4-11 on the season.
Wednesday’s game: at Quad Cities, Gerardo Salas RHP (0-2, 9.28) vs. Drew Beam RHP (1-0, 3.77) 11:00 am CT.
As the road team, the Class-A Cardinals defeated the Hammerheads by a 7-5 score at Roger Dean Stadium on Tuesday. Starter Leonel Sequera pitched 4 2/3 scoreless innings, allowed three hits, fanned five and walked one.
Jack Findlay relieved Sequera and surrendered two runs in 1 1/3 innings. Joseph King yielded one run in 1 1/3 innings and received the win. Angel Cuenca allowed two runs in the final 1 2/3 innings for his first save.
The Beach Birds went up 2-0 in the third inning. Travis Honeyman doubled and scored on a single by Cade McGee. McGee stole second base and came home on a single by Josh Kross.
Jupiter tied the game with two runs in the sixth. In the top of the eighth, Palm Beach took the lead 4-2. Jonathan Mejia and Luis Pino singled. Sammy Hernandez executed a sacrifice bunt. Deniel Ortiz plated Peña on a sac fly. Anyelo Encarnacion drove in Pino on a double.
The Hammerheads came back with a run in the home half of the inning to cut the lead to 4-3.
The Cardinals put up three runs in the top of the ninth to widen the lead to 7-3. Honeyman singled. McGee drew a walk. Kross grounded into a force out, eliminating McGee. Peña followed with a three-run home run to left center field.
Jupiter partially rallied with two runs in the bottom of the ninth to shrink the final score to 7-5.
Palm Beach scored seven runs on 11 hits. Peña was 3-for-4 with three RBI and two runs scored. Honeyman was 2-for-4 with two runs scored.
On the bases, McGee and Ortiz both stole their fifth bases of the season. Peña was caught stealing. On defense, Sequera picked a runner off first base.
Palm Beach is 10-6 on the season.
Wednesday’s game: at Jupiter, RHP Jason Savacool (1-1, 1.93) vs. TBD 5:30 CT.
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A 2-5 week increased the St. Louis Cardinals’ division deficit to four games. The offense has gone quiet with the exceptions of Brendan Donovan and Nolan Arenado. We again remember notable MLB debuts during this week in Cardinals history.
The St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Astros in the opener of a three-game series in Busch Stadium. Starter Sonny Gray pitched seven scoreless innings, allowed three hits, struck out four and walked one to earn his third win.
Ryan Fernandez relieved Gray and threw a scoreless inning. Roddery Muñoz surrendered three runs in the ninth.
St. Louis took a 1-0 lead in the third inning. Lars Nootbaar drew a walk. Luken Baker singled. Willson Contreras grounded into a force out as Nootbaar scored.
In the fourth, the Cardinals increased the edge to 4-0. Brendan Donovan singled and Jordan Walker hit a ground rule double. Pedro Pagés plated Donovan and Walker on a double. Nootbaar drove in Pagés on a single.
The Cardinals added three more runs in the fifth to build the lead to 7-0. Contreras singled. Nolan Arenado doubled to plate Contreras. Arenado came home on a double by Donovan. Donovan scored on a sac fly by Nolan Gorman.
St. Louis tallied their final run in the seventh on a solo home run by Arenado. The Astros rally stopped short with three runs in the ninth.
The Cardinals scored eight runs on 14 hits. Arenado was 3-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored. Donovan was 4-for-4 with an RBI. Nootbaar was 2-for-3 with an RBI. Pagés had two RBI.
On the bases, Contreras stole his first base of the season.
The Cardinals fell to the Astros in a 2-0 shutout at Busch Stadium on Tuesday. Starter Erick Fedde pitched six innings, gave up one run on six hits, fanned five and walked three. Fedde took the loss.
Kyle Leahy relieved Fedde and surrendered one run in two innings. Roddery Muñoz tossed a scoreless ninth.
The game was scoreless until the Astros scored one run in the sixth. In the eighth, the visitors added a second run.
St. Louis managed six total hits. The only extra base hits were doubles by Brendan Donovan and Lars Nootbaar. The offense was 1 for-7 with runners in scoring position and left six men on base.
Nolan Arenado and Alec Burleson each stole their first base.
The Cardinals took the series with a Wednesday win over the Astros. Starter Steven Matz pitched five innings, gave up one run on two hits and fanned five to earn his first win of 2025.
Ryan Fernandez relieved Matz and threw a scoreless inning. Kyle Leahy and Phil Maton each hurled a scoreless inning. Ryan Helsley tossed a scoreless ninth to earn his third save.
After a first inning run, Houston held the 1-0 lead until the fifth, when the Cardinals put up three runs to move ahead. Victor Scott II and Thomas Saggese singled. Lars Nootbaar followed with a three-run home run to center field.
The Cardinals fell to the Mets in the first of a four-game series in New York. Starter Andre Pallante pitched six innings, gave up four runs on seven hits and struck out two.
Matt Svanson made his major league debut in relief of Pallante and threw one scoreless inning. John King tossed a scoreless eighth.
The Mets went up 4-0 in the second. In the third, the Cardinals cut the lead to 4-1, and that ended the scoring.
The Cardinals scored one run three hits, singles by Alec Burleson, Brendan Donovan and Victor Scott II.
Donovan stole his third base of the season. Scott swiped his seventh bag. On defense, Jordan Walker had an outfield assist at second base.
The Cardinals were edged by the Mets by a 5-4 score at Citi Field on Friday. Starter Miles Mikolas pitched 4 2/3 innings, gave up two runs on five hits, struck out one and walked two.
John King secured the final out of the fifth. Kyle Leahy surrendered one run in 1 1/3 innings. JoJo Romero got one out. Phil Maton yielded one unearned run in 1 1/3 innings. Ryan Fernandez gave up the walk off run and received the loss.
The Cardinals took a 1-0 lead in the second inning. Brendan Donovan and Thomas Saggese singled. Pedro Pagés drove in Donovan on a single.
St. Louis increased the lead to 2-0 in the fourth. Nolan Arenado singled. Brendan Donovan grounded into a force out, eliminating Arenado at second. Donovan advanced to second on a wild pitch and came home when Jordan Walker singled.
The Mets tied the game in the fifth. The Cardinals regained the lead briefly in the top of the sixth, 3-2. Willson Contreras doubled and scored on a single by Arenado.
New York quickly tied the game again in the home sixth and took a 4-3 lead in the eighth. St. Louis tied the game with a run in the top of the ninth on a solo home run by Donovan.
The Mets won in a walk off due to Francisco Lindor’s home run in the bottom of the ninth off Fernandez.
The Cardinals scored four runs on eight hits. Donovan was 2-for-4 with an RBI and three runs scored. Arenado was 2-for-4 with an RBI.
The Cardinals lost again to the Mets, and this time it was a via a 3-0 shutout. Starter Matthew Liberatore pitched 6 2/3 innings, gave up two runs on six hits, fanned six and walked one. Liberatore took the loss.
John King relieved Liberatore and surrendered one run in 1 1/3 innings.
The Mets went up 2-0 in the third inning and added a third run in the eighth.
The Cardinals were held to three hits. Thomas Saggese was 2-for-4. The other hit was a single by Willson Contreras. The offense 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position and left eight men on base.
The Cardinals suffered a four-game sweep by the Mets with a final loss on Sunday. Starter Sonny Gray pitched six innings, gave up three runs on six hits, fanned six and walked one.
JoJo Romero surrendered one run in 1/3 of an inning of relief and took the loss. Phil Maton threw 2/3 of a scoreless inning. Ryan Fernandez allowed three runs in the eighth.
The Mets scored single runs in the first, third and fifth innings to lead 3-0.
The Cardinals put up one run in the sixth. Brendan Donovan doubled, went to third on a wild pitch and scored on a ground out by Alec Burleson.
St. Louis tied the game with two more runs in the top of the seventh. Nolan Gorman singled. Luken Baker drew a walk. Michael Siani pinch ran for Baker. Thomas Saggese doubled to score Gorman and Siani.
The Mets made it 4-3 in the bottom of the seventh, then added three runs in the eighth to go up 7-3.
The Cardinals made it 7-4 in the ninth. Siani singled and advanced to second on defensive indifference. Lars Nootbaar plated Siani on a single, but it was too little, too late.
St. Louis’ scored four runs on eight hits. Willson Contreras was 2-for-4. Saggese had two RBI.
On defense, Pedro Pagés was charged with catcher interference.
The Big Picture
The Cardinals ended the week with a record of 2-5. They won 2 of 3 from the Astros but were swept in four games by the Mets. St. Louis remains in fourth place in the NL Central, four games back of the Cubs. They have a record of 9-13.
The Cardinals have a problem on the road. Nine of their 13 losses were in games away from Busch. Why this is the case is a mystery.
The offense has cratered. Half the hitters had an OPS for the week under.500. The only two players above .900 for the week are Brendan Donovan (.986) and Nolan Arenado (.967).
Those with an OPS under .500 are Alec Burleson (.485), Willson Contreras (.481), Yohel Pozo (.393), Pedro Pagés (.343), Victor Scott (.329), Jordan Walker (.292), and Nolan Gorman (.234).
The pitching has held its own for the most part. The only starter with an ERA for the week over 4.00 was Andre Pallante (6.00). The starters are not giving up a ton of runs, but the offense is not scoring enough to win games.
The bullpen has been shaky in a couple of spots, namely Ryan Fernandez and JoJo Romero, who both have double digit ERAs for the week. Roddery Muñoz also had a double-digit ERA, but he was optioned to Memphis and replaced by Matt Svanson.
This issue of winning on the road must be figured out and fixed. On the current road trip, the Cardinals have three games just ahead in Atlanta. They return to St. Louis for the weekend to play the Brewers, who will be tough to beat.
NL Central Standings
Team
W
L
Pct
GB
Chicago
14
10
0.583
Milwaukee
12
10
0.545
1
Cincinnati
11
11
0.500
2
St. Louis
9
13
0.409
4
Pittsburgh
8
15
0.348
5.5
Trade and Acquisition Rumors
There are no trade and acquisition rumors to report.
Transactions
4/16 The Cardinals optioned RHP Roddery Muñoz to the Memphis Redbirds.
4/16 The Cardinals recalled RHP Matt Svanson from the Memphis Redbirds.
4/18 The Cardinals sent SS Masyn Winn on a rehab assignment to the Memphis Redbirds.
Injury Report
LHP Zack Thompson (left lat strain) was placed on the 15-day injured list on March 24. Thompson missed most of spring training. He is now throwing from 100 feet but will need a full build up before returning to the mound. No return date has been reported.
C Iván Herrera (left knee bone bruise) injured his knee in a game on April 6 running from first to third base. Herrera is hitting in cages and playing catch. He may begin a running and catching program soon.
SS Masyn Winn was placed on the 10-day injured list on April 12 with lower back spasms. Winn is currently on a rehab assignment with the Memphis Redbirds. If all goes well, Winn will be activated on Tuesday, April 22.
Looking Ahead
Following the Mets series, the road trip continues to Atlanta for three with the Braves, who are coming off a sweep of the Twins.
Erick Fedde will start on Monday, followed by Andre Pallante on Tuesday and Miles Mikolas on Wednesday. Sixth starter Steven Matz will be skipped according to reports.
After a travel day on Thursday, the team returns home to take on the Brewers in a weekend series at Busch Stadium. They end the month of April in Cincinnati against the Reds in a four-game series.
The Cardinals return home for a weekend series against the Mets to open May. The homestand continues with three versus the Pirates.
After a travel day on Thursday, May 8, the Cardinals face the Washington Nationals in a three-game set.
Blast from the Past
This week’s Blast of the Past continues the series that began last season, the Debut Series. We chronicle the major league debuts of notable current and former Cardinals during a relevant period in franchise history.
The following is a list of Cardinals players who made their major league debuts during the period April 14 through April 20.
Bob Gibson with the Triple-A Omaha Cardinals
April 15, 1959 – Baseball Hall of Famer and Cardinals Hall of Famer Bob Gibson made his major league debut on this date. Gibson appeared as a reliever in the seventh inning of game between the Cardinals and the Los Angeles Dodgers at the Dodgers home park in Los Angeles. The Cardinals were shut out 5-0.
Gibson gave up a solo home run to the first batter he faced, Jim Baxes. He allowed a second run in the eighth.
April 16, 2019 – Ryan Helsley made his debut on this day in an 8-4 loss to the Brewers in Miller Park. Helsley entered with two outs in the fifth inning following Giovanny Gallegos. Gallegos had relieved starter Jack Flaherty, who had lasted only 2 2/3 innings.
Helsley, like Bob Gibson 60 years before, gave up a home run to the first batter he faced. Christian Yelich blasted a three-run shot to right center field. Only one of the runs was charged to Helsley (Yelich). Helsley struck out Ryan Braun to end the inning and then returned for two additional innings with no hits or runs allowed.
Red Schoendienst
April 17, 1945 – On this date, Cardinal icon Red Schoendienst made his major league debut. The debut was in a 3-2 loss to the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Schoendienst was in the starting lineup batting third and playing in left field. He went 1-for-4 with a run scored. His first hit was a triple to right in the eighth inning. He scored the team’s second run on a single by Walker Cooper.
Schoendienst made a fielding error in the fourth inning which scored a run for the Cubs.
April 18, 1985 –Vince Coleman made his major league debut in a 7-1 loss to the Montreal Expos at Busch Stadium II. Coleman hit leadoff and played in center. He went 1-for-3 with a walk.
His hit was a third inning single and he stole second base. Coleman was left on base. He drew a walk in the fifth but was also left stranded after stealing his second base.
April 19, 2018 – On this day, Tyler O’Neill made his major league debut in an 8-5 loss to the Cubs at Wrigley Field. O’Neill pinch hit for Luke Weaver in the fifth inning and struck out swinging.
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photo: Jose Cordoba (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)
The St. Louis Cardinals system had a rough 0-3 Friday. The Cardinal Nation’s Player of the Day, Palm Beach RF Jose Cordoba, tripled, walked, drove in a run, and had an outfield assist. Other standouts include Yordalin Pena, Jonathan Mejia and Anyelo Encarnacion.
The Triple-A Redbirds were edged by the Jumbo Shrimp by a 4-3 loss at AutoZone Park on Friday. Starter Gordon Graceffo pitched five innings, gave up four runs, two earned, both on home runs. The right-hander allowed four hits and fanned five on his way to the loss.
Andre Granillo relieved Graceffo and threw two scoreless innings. Riley O’Brien hurled a scoreless inning. Ryan Loutos tossed a scoreless ninth.
Jacksonville went up 1-0 in the first inning. Memphis tied the game in the home first. José Fermín singled and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Jimmy Crooks plated him with a single.
The Jumbo Shrimp added a run in the second to lead 2-1. The Redbirds knotted the game again with one run in the fourth. Crooks drew a walk. Michael Helman grounded into a force out and Crooks was out at second. Matt Lloyd singled. Ryan Vilade drove in Helman on a single.
Jacksonville took a 4-2 lead in the top of the fifth before Memphis cut the lead to 4-3 in the home fifth on a solo home run by Bryan Torres.
The Redbirds scored three runs on eight hits. No Redbird had multiple hits. Jose Barrero doubled for the only other extra base hit other than the Torres home run.
On the bases, César Prieto stole his second base of the season. On defense, Helman and St. Louis rehabber Masyn Winn made fielding errors. In his first rehab game, Winn had three plate appearances and struck out each time.
The Redbirds are 9-8 on the season.
Saturday’s game: vs. Jacksonville, Ian Bedell RHP (0-1, 7.71) vs. Adam Mazur RHP (1-1, 1.26)
Leonardo Taveras relieved Rajcic and threw 1 2/3 scoreless innings. Jack Ralston surrendered three runs in the eighth and took the loss. Nathanael Heredia tossed a scoreless ninth.
Springfield took a 3-0 lead in the second inning. R.J. Yeager led off with a walk. Dakota Harris reached on a fielder’s choice. Yeager and Harris advanced an extra base on a throwing error. Yeager scored on a ground out by Ramon Mendoza. Bryce Madron reached via an error and Harris came home. Miguel Ugueto singled. Darlin Moquete plated Madron on a single.
The Travelers cut the lead to 3-1 in the third. Arkansas added a run in the sixth to make it 3-2. They took the lead in the eighth with three runs for the final 5-3 edge.
The Cardinals scored three runs on three hits, all singles. No Cardinal had multiples. The offense was 1-for-4 with runners in scoring position and left six men on base.
JJ Wetherholt began the game at second base and began what appeared to be a routine 4-3 putout to end the top of the first. However, he was pinch-hit for in the bottom of the frame, ending his night after a half inning. No word yet as to the reason.
On the bases, Moquete stole his third base of the season.
Springfield is 8-5 on the season.
Saturday’s game: vs. Arkansas, Pete Hansen LHP (0-0, 4.05) vs. Adam Seminaris LHP (1-1, 1.13) 1:05 CT (game one). vs. Arkansas, Osvaldo Berrios RHP (1-0, 3.60) vs. TBS (ARK) 6:05 CT (game two).
Peoria vs. Cedar Rapids (suspended)
Friday’s game at Dozer Park was suspended in the top of the fourth inning due to rain. Peoria was losing 8-3 to Cedar Rapids. The game will be completed on Saturday, April 19 prior to the regularly scheduled game.
Peoria is 4-8 on the season.
Saturday’s games: vs. Cedar Rapids, TBA vs. TBA 5:00 CT (completion of suspended game); vs. Cedar Rapids, Hancel Rincon RHP (0-0, 0.00) vs. Tanner Hall RHP (0-0, 9.00) 7:05 CT.
The Beach Birds lost to the Threshers by a 6-4 score on Friday at Roger Dean Stadium. Starter Braden Davis pitched three innings, gave up three runs on two hits, struck out three and walked four.
Sam Brodersen relieved Davis and surrendered three runs in two innings to take the loss. Peoria rehabber Joseph King threw a scoreless sixth. Christian Worley hurled 1 2/3 scoreless innings. Jack Findlay tossed the final 1 1/3 scoreless frames.
Clearwater scored twice in the second inning and added a run in the third to lead 3-0. The Beach Birds tied the game in the fourth. Yordalin Pena doubled and went to third on a wild pitch. Jose Cordoba plated Pena on a triple. Cordoba scored on a double by Anyelo Encarnacion. Encarnacion advanced to third on a wild pitch and came home on another wild pitch.
The Threshers regained the lead at 6-3 with three runs in the top of fifth. Palm Beach shrunk the lead to 6-4 in the home fifth. Travis Honeyman and Sammy Hernandez singled. Jose Cordoba drew a walk. Honeyman scored on a ground out by Encarnacion.
The Cardinals scored four runs on nine hits. Pena and Jonathan Mejia were 2-for-5. Encarnacion had two RBI.
On the bases, Deniel Ortiz stole his third base of the season. On defense, Ortiz and Hernandez each had a missed catch error. Worley made a fielding error. Cordoba and Honeyman each had an outfield assist at second base. Findlay picked a runner off first base.
Palm Beach is 8-5 on the season.
Saturday’s game: vs. Clearwater, RHP Nelfy Ynfante (0-0, 7.11) vs. TBA 3:00 CT.
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The St. Louis Cardinals system was 2-2 on Wednesday. The Cardinal Nation’s Player of the Day, Springfield SS JJ Wetherholt, was 3-for-4, including a two-run home run, walked, drove in four and scored three runs. Other standouts include Michael Curialle, Ixan Henderson and R.J. Yeager.
The Triple-A Redbirds came back late to defeat the Jumbo Shrimp by the score of 6-4 on Wednesday at AutoZone Park. Starter Michael McGreevy pitched five innings, gave up three runs on four hits, fanned five and walked one.
Chris Roycroft surrendered one run in the sixth but received the win. Michael Gomez hurled two scoreless innings of relief. Ryan Loutos tossed a scoreless ninth to earn his second save.
Jacksonville scored twice in the second inning. Memphis answered with one run in the third. Michael Helman doubled and scored on a single by César Prieto.
The Jumbo Shrimp made it 3-1 in the fourth, but the Redbirds came back in the fifth to shrink the lead to 3-2. Matt Koperniak singled and stole second base. Jose Barrero singled. Jimmy Crooks plated Koperniak on a force out.
In the top of the sixth, Jacksonville increased their lead to 4-2, but from there, it was all Memphis. The Redbirds responded with three runs in the home sixth to take the lead 5-4. Prieto doubled and Ryan Vilade singled. Matt Lloyd drove in both on a double. Lloyd advanced on a wild pitch and scored on a balk.
Memphis scored six runs on 10 hits. Prieto and Vilade were each 2-for-4 with an RBI. Barrero was 2-for-5. Lloyd had two RBI.
On the bases, the Redbirds were busy. Barrero stole his fourth base and Vilade swiped his second bag. Lloyd stole his first base, as did Koperniak and Helman. Prieto was caught stealing.
The Redbirds are 9-6 on the season.
Thursday’s game: vs Jacksonville, Alex Cornwell LHP (1-0, 13.50) vs. Vallente Bellozo RHP (0-0, 1.50) 6:45 CT
Sean Harney relieved Henderson and surrendered two runs in 1 2/3 innings. Edwin Nuñez hurled 1 1/3 scoreless innings. Osvaldo Berrios tossed a scoreless ninth.
Springfield took the lead in the third inning on a two-run home run by JJ Wetherholt, and solo home runs by R.J. Yeager and Dakota Harris.
Arkansas put up one run in the top of the fifth to cut the lead to 4-1. The Cardinals answered with one run in the home half of the fifth to lead 5-1. Wetherholt and Chase Davis walked. Wetherholt scored on a single by Yeager.
Springfield added three runs in the sixth. Carlos Linarez drew a walk. Miguel Ugueto doubled. Darlin Moquete walked. Wetherholt plated Linarez on a single. Chase Davis walked and Ugueto came home. Harris grounded into a force out and Moquete was out at home. Wetherholt was forced in via a walk by Ramon Mendoza.
Arkansas scored two runs in the top of the seventh to shrink the lead to 8-3. The Cardinals made it 9-3 in the bottom of the seventh when Moquete singled and Wetherholt doubled him home.
Springfield put up their final run in the eighth. Yeager walked and later came home on a single by Brody Moore.
The Cardinals scored 10 runs on 13 hits. Wetherholt was 3-for-4 with a walk, four RBI and three runs scored. Yeager was 2-for-4 with a walk, two RBI and two runs scored. Moquete was 3-for-4 with two runs scored. Ugueto was 2-for-5.
Springfield is 8-3 on the season.
Thursday’s game: vs. Arkansas, Tekoah Roby RHP (0-0, 0.00) vs. Dylan File RHP (0-1, 9.00) 6:35 CT
The Peoria Chiefs were edged by the Kernels in an extra inning contest at Dozer Pak on Wednesday. Starter Gerardo Salas pitched 3 2/3 innings, gave up five runs on seven hits, struck out three and walked three.
Jawilme Ramirez threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings of relief. Benjamin Arias surrendered one run in 1 2/3 innings. Angel Gonzalez yielded one run in 1 1/3 innings and took a blown save. Tyler Bradt allowed one unearned run in the final two innings and received the loss.
Peoria took a 1-0 lead in the second inning. Michael Curialle doubled and scored on a single by Trey Paige.
Cedar Rapids answered with two runs in the third and added three in the top of the fourth to increase the lead to 5-1.
The Chiefs responded with three in the home fourth to shrink to pull to within one run at 5-4. Joshua Baez reached via an error. Ian Petrutz drew a walk. Baez and Petrutz executed a double steal. Won-Bin Cho walked. Curialle hit a bases clearing double.
Peoria posted three more runs in the fifth to take the lead at 7-5. Ryan Campos singled, stole second base and scored on a single by Baez. Baez stole second before. Petrutz plated him on a single. Cho walked. Curialle drove in Petrutz on a single.
The Kernels came back to tie the game 7-7 with single runs in the seventh and ninth innings. Neither team scored in the 10th. Cedar Rapids scored one in the 11th and Peoria was unable to answer.
The Chiefs scored seven runs on 10 hits. Curialle was 3-for-4 with four RBI. Paige was 2-for-5 with an RBI. Campos was 2-for-5.
The Chiefs stole eight bases. Miguel Villarroel, Baez, and Campos took two bases each. Paige and Petrutz stole their second and first bases of the season, respectively.
On defense, Salas picked a runner off first base.
Peoria is 3-8 on the season.
Thursday’s game: vs. Cedar Rapids, Zack Showalter RHP (0-0, 3.86) vs. Charlee Soto RHP (0-0, 0.00) 6:35 CT
The Low-A Cardinals fell to the Threshers by a 7-1 score on Wednesday at Roger Dean Stadium. Starter Leonel Sequera pitched four innings, gave up three runs on six hits, fanned four and walked one to take his first loss of the season.
Angel Cuenca relieved Sequera and surrendered four runs in 2 2/3 innings. Randel Clemente tossed the final 2 1/3 scoreless innings.
Clearwater led the entire way after scoring one in the top of the first. They visitors added two runs in the second to lead 3-1.
The Beach Birds scored their only run of the game in the fourth. Travis Honeyman tripled and scored on a single by Cade McGee.
The Threshers widened the lead to 4-1 in the fifth, then 7-1 in the sixth.
The Palm Beach offense scored one run on six hits. Honeyman was 2-for-4. The offense was 1-for-5 with runners in scoring position and left eight men on base.
On defense, Yordalin Pena committed a fielding error. Clemente made a throwing error.
Palm Beach is 7-4 on the season.
Thursday’s game: vs. Clearwater, RHP Jason Savacool (0-1, 3.00) vs. TBA 5:30 CT.
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All paid members can purchase our Prospect Guide PDF at 50% off. Thank you for your support of The Cardinal Nation!
The St. Louis Cardinals system was 3-1 on Tuesday. The Cardinal Nation’s Player of the Day, Palm Beach 1B Josh Kross, hit for the cycle with six RBI and three runs scored. Other standouts were Sem Robberse, Brycen Mautz, Leonardo Bernal and Brayden Jobert.
Riley O’Brien relieved Robberse and surrendered one run in the sixth. Curtis Taylor yielded one run in the final three innings to earn his first save.
Jacksonville took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second before Memphis answered with two runs in the home half. Bryan Torres singled. Gavin Collins drew a walk. Mike Antico singled to score Torres. Collins came home on a wild pitch.
The Redbirds added to their lead with three runs in the fourth. Ryan Vilade doubled. Torres plated Vilade on a single. Collins singled. Torres came home on a sac fly by Antico. José Fermín singled. Matt Koperniak grounded into a force out and Collins scored.
The Jumbo Shrimp cut the lead to 5-2 in the sixth. Memphis made it 6-2 in the eighth. Koperniak walked. Jose Barrero singled. Barrero stole second base and Koperniak scored on a throwing error.
Jacksonville added a final run in the ninth for the final score of 6-3.
The Redbirds offense scored six runs on 10 hits. Antico was 2-for-3 with two RBI. Torres was 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. Fermín was 2-for-4.
Antico stole two bases. Fermín swiped his third bag. Barrero stole his third base.
On defense, Fermín made a throwing error. Torres had an outfield assist at third base.
The Redbirds are 8-6 on the season.
Wednesday’s game: vs. Jacksonville, Michael McGreevy RHP (2-1, 3.86) vs. Robinson Piña RHP (2-1, 4.63) 6:45 CT.
Ryan Shreve struggled, surrendering six runs in 1 1/3 innings of relief. Shreve took the loss and was tagged with a blown save. Andrew Marrero allowed one run in 1 2/3 innings. Austin Love tossed a scoreless ninth.
The game was scoreless until Springfield got on the board in the fifth on a solo home run by Jeremy Rivas. Arkansas tied the game in the sixth.
The Travelers put up five runs in the top of the seventh to lead 6-1. Springfield answered with two runs in the home half to cut the lead to 6-3. Leonardo Bernal doubled. R.J. Yeager singled to plate Bernal. Ramon Mendoza hit a ground rule double and came home on a throwing error.
Arkansas added a run in the top of the eighth to increase the lead to 7-3. The Cardinals responded in the bottom of the frame with a two-run home run by Bernal to shrink the lead to 7-5.
The Cardinals scored five runs on eight hits. Bernal was 2-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored. Yeager was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Rivas was 2-for-4 with an RBI.
On the bases, Rivas stole his third base of the season. On defense, Rivas made a fielding error. Bernal threw out two runners at second base.
Sixth-ranked prospect Leonardo Bernal has thrown out two would-be base stealers at second tonight. pic.twitter.com/ab4iux5Aes
The High-A Chiefs beat the Kernels in a 6-2 contest at Dozer Park on Tuesday. Starter Darlin Saladin pitched 3 1/3 innings, gave up two runs on four hits, struck out three and walked two.
Dionys Rodriguez threw 3 2/3 scoreless innings of relief to earn the win. D.J. Carpenter and Tanner Jacobson each tossed a scoreless inning.
Cedar Rapids took a 2-0 lead in the first inning. In the second, Peoria cut the lead to 2-1. Won-Bin Cho drew a walk. Johnfrank Salazar singled. Brayden Jobert singled. Cho scored on a ground out by Trey Paige.
The Chiefs put up four runs in the third to take a 5-2 lead. Ryan Campos doubled. Zach Levenson was hit by a pitch. Ian Petrutz drove in Campos on a double. Levenson was out at home. Cho and Salazar walked. Jobert plated Petrutz and Cho on a single. Salazar stole home.
Peoria added a run in the seventh to lead 6-2. Miguel Villarroel singled and stole second base. Villarroel stole third base. Villarroel came home on a single by Levenson.
The Chiefs scored six runs on 11 hits. Jobert was 3-for-4 with two RBI. Levenson was 2-for-3 with an RBI. Salazar was 2-for-3.
On the bases, Jobert and Salazar each stole their second base of the season. Villarroel stole two bags. Jobert was caught stealing. Salazar was picked off first base.
Peoria is 3-7 on the season.
Wednesday’s game: vs. Cedar Rapids, Gerardo Salas RHP (0-2, 7.71) vs. Ty Langenberg RHP (0-1, 7.71) 6:35 CT.
Rehabber Joseph King threw a scoreless inning of relief. Yordy Herrera surrendered four runs in 1 1/3 innings. Samuel Fabian tossed the final 1 2/3 scoreless frames.
The Beach Birds went up 3-0 in the first inning. Nathan Church walked. Travis Honeyman singled. Josh Kross tripled to score Church and Honeyman. Kross came home on a balk.
Clearwater cut the lead to 3-1 in the fourth. Palm Beach widened the lead to 7-1 in the sixth. Jose Cordoba and Honeyman each drew a walk. Kross followed with a three-run home run to right field. Yordalin Pena singled and later scored on a single by Sammy Hernandez.
— Cardinals Player Development (@CardsPlayerDev) April 16, 2025
The Cardinals made it 10-1 in the seventh. Honeyman singled, stole second base and went to third on a wild pitch. Kross plated Honeyman on a single. Pena walked. Cade McGee walked. Luis Pino drove in Kross and Pena on a double.
The Threshers rallied for four runs in the eighth to tighten the score to 10-5.
Palm Beach scored 10 runs on 10 hits. While completing the cycle, Kross was 4-for-5 with six RBI and three runs scored. Honeyman was 3-for-3 with three runs scored. Pino had two RBI.
Honeyman stole his first base of the season. Jonathan Mejia was caught stealing.
Kross made a fielding error.
Palm Beach is 7-3 on the season.
Wednesday’s game: vs. Clearwater, RHP Leonel Sequera (0-0, 1.17) vs. TBD 5:30 CT.
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photo: Andre Pallante (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)
After a 3-3 week, the 7-8 St. Louis Cardinals are 2 ½ games out of first. The pitching has improved, with Andre Pallante and Matthew Liberatore tossing 13 shutout innings against the Phillies. We remember notable MLB debuts during this week in Cardinals history.
The St. Louis Cardinals fell to the Pirates in the first game of a three game series on Monday at Pittsburgh’s PNC Park. Starter Matthew Liberatore pitched 6 1/3 innings, gave up five runs on eight hits, and fanned seven. Liberatore took the loss.
Chris Roycroft surrendered three runs in 2/3 of an inning of relief. John King tossed a scoreless eighth.
Pittsburgh went up 1-0 in the first and added three in the second to lead 4-0. St. Louis cut into the lead with a run in the fifth. Michael Siani singled. Willson Contreras drew a walk. Brendan Donovan plated Siani on a single.
The Cardinals inched closer in the sixth on a solo home run by Yohel Pozo. The Pirates ran up the score with four in the seventh to lead 8-2.
The Cardinals made a final late attempt to catch up with single runs in the eighth and ninth. Donovan and Alec Burleson singled. Jordan Walker drove in Donovan on a ground out. Masyn Winn hit a solo home run in the ninth to make it 8-4 for the final tally.
The Cardinals scored four runs on nine hits. Donovan was 3-for-4 with an RBI. Thomas Saggese was 2-for-4.
The Cardinals defeated the Pirates in game two of the series at PNC Park. Starter Sonny Gray pitched five innings, gave up one run on three hits and fanned four. Gray earned his second win of the season.
Steven Matz relieved Gray and threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings. Kyle Leahy followed with 1 2/3 scoreless innings. JoJo Romero surrendered two runs in 1/3 of an inning. Phil Maton secured the final two outs to earn his first save.
The Cardinals went up 3-0 in the third inning. Pedro Pagés and Masyn Winn singled. Victor Scott II plated them both on a triple.
The Pirates put up one run in the fourth to cut the lead to 3-1. St. Louis answered with two in the sixth to lead 5-1. Brendan Donovan doubled and Nolan Arenado walked. Alec Burleson singled to score Donovan. Arenado came home on a ground out by Pagés.
Pittsburgh added two runs in the ninth to shrink the final score to 5-3.
The offense scored five runs on seven hits. Scott was 2-for-5 with two RBI. Donovan was 2-for-3 with an RBI.
The Cardinals were edged by the Pirates in a 13-inning marathon in the final game of the series. Starter Erick Fedde pitched six scoreless no-hit innings with two strikeouts and four walks.
Phil Maton was the first of many relievers after Fedde, and he threw a scoreless inning. Next were Kyle Leahy, Ryan Fernandez, JoJo Romero and Ryan Helsley, each with a scoreless inning. Steven Matz gave up the first Pirates run in the 12th inning and was tagged with the blown save. Chris Roycroft surrendered the winning run in the 13th and took the loss.
The game went the regulation nine innings with neither team scoring. The 10th and 11th innings were also scoreless on both sides.
In the top of the 12th, the Cardinals plated their only run. Willson Contreras started the inning on second base, then advanced to third on a balk. After Brendan Donovan grounded out, Nolan Arenado was intentionally walked. Pinch hitter Jordan Walker singled to plate Contreras.
The Pirates answered with the tying run in the home 12th. The Cardinals failed to answer in the top of the 13th.
Pittsburgh pushed across the winning run in the bottom of the 13th for the walk off win.
The Cardinals scored one run on seven hits. No hitter had multiples. Alec Burleson had the only extra base hit, a double.
On the bases, Victor Scott II stole his fifth base of the season. On defense, Arenado made a fielding error. Lars Nootbaar had an outfield assist at home plate.
The Cardinals shut out the Phillies by the score of 2-0 at Busch Stadium on Friday. Starter Andre Pallante pitched seven scoreless innings, allowed two hits, struck out four and walked two to earn his second win.
Phil Maton relived Pallante and threw a scoreless eighth. Ryan Helsley tossed a scoreless ninth to earn his second save.
The Cardinals scored their two runs in the fifth inning. Thomas Saggese led off with a single. Yohel Pozo doubled to score Saggese. Lars Nootbaar singled and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Nolan Arenado walked to load the bags. Alec Burleson walked to plate Pozo.
The offense scored two runs on nine hits. Pozo was 3-for-4 with an RBI. Saggese was 2-for-4.
On the bases, Nootbaar stole two bases. Brendan Donovan swiped his first bag. On defense, Pallante made an error on a pickoff.
The Cardinals lost to the Phillies by the score of 4-1 in the second game of the series. Starter Miles Mikolas pitched five innings, gave up three runs on three hits, fanned six and walked two. Mikolas took the loss.
Steven Matz relieved Mikolas and surrendered one run in 2 1/3 innings. Roddery Muñoz threw 2/3 of a scoreless inning. John King tossed a scoreless ninth.
The Phillies went up 2-0 in the first and added a run in the fifth to lead 3-0. The Cardinals posted their only run of the game in the sixth. Luken Baker doubled and scored on a single by Willson Contreras.
The Phillies made it 4-1 in the seventh.
St. Louis’ offense scored one run on nine hits. Contreras was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Baker’s double was the only extra base hit.
The Cardinals shut out the Phillies for the second time during the weekend, this time by the score of 7-0. Starter Matthew Liberatore pitched six scoreless innings, allowed three hits, fanned seven and walked one to earn his first win.
Phil Maton, JoJo Romero, and Kyle Leahy each tossed a scoreless inning of relief.
The Cardinals opened the scoring in the fourth on a two-run home run by Willson Contreras. St. Louis added two more in the sixth. Brendan Donovan hit a ground rule double. Arenado plated Donovan on a double. Arenado came home on a ground rule double by Nolan Gorman.
The Cardinals scored seven runs on 10 hits. Contreras was 2-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored. Walker was 2-for-4 with two RBI. Arenado was 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored.
On the bases, Gorman was picked off and caught stealing.
The Big Picture
The Cardinals were 3-3 in the second full week of the season. They lost 2 of 3 to the Pirates and won 2 of 3 from the Phillies. They are in fourth place in the NL Central with a record of 7-8.
The offense has cooled off a bit. They are still getting hits at a good clip but many of the hits are not producing runs. The offense was 13 for 51 (.255) with runners in scoring position this week, compared to last week when the offense was 24 for 76 (.316), but the team won only one game of six.
The top performers for the week by OPS are Yohel Pozo (1.250), Thomas Saggese (.924) and Nolan Gorman (.900).
At the bottom are Luken Baker (.429), Nolan Arenado (.405), Lars Nootbaar (.397), and Michael Siani (.393). Nootbaar led the team in walks with five, so he is still getting on base at a decent clip.
The pitching, on the other hand, improved over the previous week. Only Miles Mikolas had an ERA over 4.00 at 5.46. Erick Fedde and Andre Pallante both had scoreless starts. Fedde had a no-hitter going when he was taken out after the sixth in his start against the Pirates.
As for the bullpen, they were fine, except for Chris Roycroft, who was optioned to Memphis after his last appearance and replaced by Roddery Muñoz.
The team remains in St. Louis to play the Astros to begin the coming week. They then end the week in New York in a series with the Mets.
NL Central Standings
Team
W
L
Pct
GB
Chicago
11
7
0.611
Cincinnati
8
8
0.500
2
Milwaukee
8
8
0.500
2
St. Louis
7
8
0.467
2.5
Pittsburgh
5
11
0.313
5
Trade and Acquisition Rumors
There are no trade and acquisition rumors to report.
Transactions
4/7 The Cardinals optioned RHP Gordon Graceffo to the Memphis Redbirds (27th man for doubleheader).
4/7 The Cardinals selected the contract of C Yohel Pozo from the Memphis Redbirds.
4/7 The Cardinals transferred LHP Zack Thompson from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list.
4/27 The Cardinals placed C Iván Herrera on the 10-day injured list. Left knee inflammation.
4/10 The Cardinals optioned RHP Chris Roycroft to the Memphis Redbirds.
4/11 The Cardinals recalled RHP Roddery Muñoz from the Memphis Redbirds.
4/12 The Cardinals placed SS Masyn Winn on the 10-day injured list. Lower back spasms.
4/12 The Cardinals activated 2B Nolan Gorman from the 10-day injured list.
Injury Report
LHP Zack Thompson (left lat strain) was placed on the 15-day injured list on March 24. Thompson missed most of spring training. He is now throwing from 100 feet but will need a full build up before returning to the mound. No return date has been reported.
C Iván Herrera (left knee bone bruise) injured his knee in a game on April 6 running from first to third base. Herrera is expected to be out 3 to 4 weeks.
SS Masyn Winn was placed on the 10-day injured list on April 12 with lower back spasms. Winn was removed from Friday’s game after the first inning with back spasms that occurred following a play on the field. It is not expected that Winn will be out more than the minimum time.
Looking Ahead
Following the end of the Phillies series on Sunday, the Astros come into town for a three-game series beginning Monday. Sonny Gray is set to make the Monday start, followed by Erick Fedde on Tuesday, and Andre Pallante on Wednesday.
After the Astros series, the Cardinals leave for New York to play the Mets in a four-game set. The road trip will continue to Atlanta for three at the Braves.
After a travel day on Thursday the 24th, the team returns home to take on the Brewers in a weekend series at Busch Stadium. They end the month of April in Cincinnati against the Reds for four.
The Reds series ends on Thursday, May 1, after which the Cardinals return home for a weekend series against the Mets.
Blast from the Past
This week’s Blast of the Past is returning to a series that began last season here, the Debut Series. In this series, we chronicle the major league debuts of notable current and former Cardinals during a relevant period in franchise history.
This week the installment covers Cardinals who made their major league debuts during the period April 7 through April 13. His name, the date he debuted, how he performed and any other relevant details are mentioned.
April 7, 1984 – LHP Ricky Horton made his major league with the Cardinals. Horton is more likely best known for being a long time TV announcer for the Cardinals broadcast partner FanDuel Sports Midwest (aka Bally Sports Midwest and Fox Sports Midwest) and is also currently broadcasting Cardinals games on KMOX Radio.
Horton appeared at the end of a game against the Giants at Candlestick Park. The Cardinals were shut out 11-0. Horton pitched the final 2 1/3 innings out of the bullpen. He gave up one run on three hits, struck out one and walked one. The one run was a home run by Jeffrey Leonard.
Colby Rasmus (Getty Images)
April 7, 2009 – OF Colby Rasmus made his major league debut. Rasmus was in the starting lineup in right field batting second in a game at Busch Stadium against the Pirates. The Cardinals beat the Pirates 9-3.
Rasmus was 2-for-4 with two runs scored. His two hits were a single to right in the third inning and an infield single to first in the fourth. He scored in the third on a home run by Albert Pujols; in the fourth, Rasmus came home on a double by Khalil Greene.
April 8, 2010 – Allen Craig made his major league debut with the Cardinals in a 2-1 loss to the Reds at Great American Ball Park. Craig went 0-for-4, playing in right and hitting seventh.
April 10, 2022 – Current starting pitcher Andre Pallante made his major league debut as the Cardinals lost 9-4 to the Pirates at Busch Stadium. Pallante worked out of the bullpen and gave up one run on two hits in one inning. The two hits were a single to rightF by Diego Castillo, who scored on a single to right by Jake Marisnick.
Ken Boyer
April 12, 1955 – Former Cardinals third baseman and future team Hall of Famer Ken Boyer debuted in a 14-4 loss to the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Boyer hit sixth and was 1-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored. His one hit was a two-run home run in the eighth inning with Red Schoendienst on base.
April 12, 1965 – Hall of Fame pitcher Steve Carlton made his major league debut with the Cardinals. The left-hander pitched in relief, entering a 10-10 tie in the 11th inning at Wrigley Field against the Cubs.
Carlton pitched to one hitter, George Altman, and walked him. Carlton was replaced by Bob Purkey, who finished the game.
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The St. Louis Cardinals system was 1-3 on Friday. The Cardinal Nation’s Player of the Day, JJ Wetherholt, was 3-for-5 with a stolen base and two runs scored in Springfield’s win. Other standouts include Tekoah Roby, Josh Kross and Chase Adkison.
The Memphis Redbirds were Soundly beaten in Nashville by a 7-1 score on Friday.
Starter Quinn Mathews pitched 2 2/3 innings, gave up four runs on five hits and struck out two to take his second loss of the season. The prospect lefty’s six walks tied his career high, set in his prior start. Mathews’ ERA through three 2025 outings is 6.10.
Curtis Taylor threw 3 1/3 scoreless innings of hitless relief. Riley O’Brien surrendered three runs, two earned, in the seventh. Zack Weiss tossed a scoreless eighth.
Nashville put up three runs in the first inning and added a fourth run in the second.
Memphis scored their only run in the top of the seventh. Jimmy Crooks reached via an error and came home on a double by Ryan Vilade.
The Sounds increased their lead with three runs in the home seventh for the final margin of 7-1.
Memphis’ offense scored one run on three hits, two singles and Vilade’s double.
On defense, Crooks made a throwing error. Playing shortstop, César Prieto committed two errors, one fielding and one throwing. O’Brien picked a runner off first base.
The Redbirds are 6-5 on the season.
Saturday’s game: at Nashville, RHP Gordon Graceffo (0-0, 15.43) vs. TBD 6:35 CT.
The Double-A Cardinals edged the Sod Poodles by a 3-2 score on Friday for their fourth consecutive victory.
Starter Tekoah Roby was sharp once again. The prospect right-hander tossed four scoreless innings, allowed three hits, and fanned five. Roby departed after 55 pitches thrown.
Zane Mills relieved Roby and surrendered one run in three innings to earn the win. Sean Harney yielded one run in the final two innings to earn his second save.
Springfield went up 1-0 in the first inning. JJ Wetherholt and R.J. Yeager singled. Jeremy Rivas drew a walk. Jacob Buchberger walked and Wetherholt scored.
Amarillo tied the game in the fifth. The Cardinals answered with two runs in the seventh to take a 3-1 lead. Chase Davis walked and Wetherholt singled. Yeager reached on an error that scored Davis. Rivas walked. Buchberger walked to score Wetherholt.
After starting the season 0 for 14, Cardinals #1 prospect JJ Wetherholt is 6 for his last 10 with back-to-back three-hit games. pic.twitter.com/8s3pUKS5wI
The High-A Chiefs are still seeking their first win of 2025 after being edged by the Cubs by a 4-3 score on Friday.
Starter Gerardo Salas pitched 3 2/3 innings, gave up four runs on five hits, struck out three and walked one and took the loss.
Benjamin Arias threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings of relief. Tanner Jacobson tossed the final two scoreless innings.
The Chiefs took a 3-0 lead in the second on a three-run home run by Chase Adkison. In the fourth, South Bend put up four runs to lead 4-3. Neither team scored again.
The Beach Birds fell to the Marauders by an 8-5 score on Friday. Starter Jason Savacool pitched five innings, gave up three runs on five hits and fanned four.
Angel Cuenca surrendered two runs in 1 2/3 innings of relief and was tagged with a blown save. Randel Clemente yielded three runs in the final 1 1/3 innings to take the loss.
Bradenton scored first with one run in the second inning. The Beach Birds put up three runs in the fourth to lead 3-1. Yordalin Pena singled and Josh Kross doubled. Bryce Madron plated Pena on a single. Madron stole second and Kross scored on a throwing error. Madron came home on a single by Anyelo Encarnacion.
Palm Beach added a run in the fifth on a solo home run by Jonathan Mejia. The Marauders answered with two runs in the home fifth to cut the lead to 4-3.
The Cardinals made it 5-3 in the sixth on a solo long ball by Kross. Bradenton responded with two runs in the bottom of the sixth to tie the game.
The Marauders put up three runs in the eighth to take the lead 8-5. Palm Beach failed to answer.
The Cardinals scored five runs on 11 hits. Kross was 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. Madron was 2-for-3 with an RBI. Pena was 2-for-4. In his season debut, Travis Honeyman was 2-for-3.
On the bases, Madron and Kross each stole their first base of the season. Anyelo Encarnacion was caught stealing. On defense, Luis Pino had an outfield assist at home plate.
Palm Beach is 4-3 on the season.
Saturday’s game: at Bradenton, Braden Davis LHP (0-0, 4.50) vs. Zander Mueth RHP (0-1, 11.25) 5:30 CT.
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The St. Louis Cardinals system was 1-2 on Wednesday. The Cardinal Nation’s Player of the Day, Springfield shortstop JJ Wetherholt, had his first hits of the season, a double and two singles with three RBI. Other standouts include Carlos Linarez, Ramon Mendoza and Christian Martin.
The Memphis Redbirds were shut out by the Nashville Sounds for the second consecutive game. Starter Sem Robberse pitched four innings, gave up three runs, two earned, on six hits, fanned four and walked four. Robberse took the loss.
Michael Gomez threw two scoreless innings of relief. Matt Svanson tossed the final two scoreless frames.
Nashville scored one run in the first and two runs in the third. 3-0 was the final score.
Memphis was no-hit until César Prieto led off the eighth with a triple to right field. The next three batters were unable to get Prieto home from third. The triple was Memphis’ only hit of the evening.
On the bases, Jose Barrero was caught stealing. On defense, Prieto made a missed catch error.
The Redbirds are 5-4 on the season.
Thursday’s game: at Nashville, Michael McGreevy RHP (1-1, 4.00) vs. Jacob Misiorowski RHP (1-0, 0.00) 6:35 CT.
The Double-A Cardinals edged the Sod Poodles in a 10-9 slugfest on Wednesday.
In his Texas League debut, Springfield starter Brycen Mautz pitched three innings, gave up three runs on three hits, struck out four and walked three.
Brycen Mautz rings up his 2nd strikeout here in the first. He goes to back-to-back 94-95 mph heaters to the lefty to get fouls, then goes to a beautiful slider at 87 mph to get the swinging strikeout. Impressive first inning for Mautz pic.twitter.com/8DUH5ZNfnS
Nathanael Heredia relieved Mautz and surrendered three runs in two innings of relief. Jack Ralston threw two scoreless frames. Leonardo Taveras yielded three runs in 1 2/3 innings but earned the win. Austin Love secured the final out of the ninth for his first save.
Springfield scored two runs in the first inning. Chase Davis was hit by a pitch. JJ Wetherholt singled for his first Double-A hit. Dakota Harris ground into a force out. Wetherholt was out at second and Davis scored. Jeremy Rivas singled to plate Harris.
The Cardinals added a run in the second to lead 3-0. Davis doubled and scored on a Wetherholt double. They made it 4-0 in the top of the fourth. Carlos Linarez and Davis singled. Linarez came home on a sac fly by Wetherholt.
Amarillo came roaring back in the home half of the fourth, putting up six runs to take the lead. Springfield made it a one run game in the sixth. Ramon Mendoza and Linarez singled. Davis ground into a force out advancing Mendoza to third. Wetherholt drove in Mendoza on a single.
The Cardinals regained the lead with a three-run seventh. R.J. Yeager reached on an error. Noah Mendlinger singled. Jacob Buchberger grounded into a force out. Mendlinger was out at second and Yeager moved to third. Mendoza tripled to scored Yeager and Buchberger. Mendoza came home on a Linarez single.
The Sod Poodles answered with three runs in the eighth to lead 9-8. Springfield put up two runs in the ninth to go ahead 10-9. Rivas singled. Buchberger and Mendoza walked. Linarez plated Rivas on a single. Buchberger scored on a sac fly by Davis.
The Cardinals scored 10 runs on 14 hits. Wetherholt was 3-for-5 with three RBI. Linarez was 4-for-5 with two RBI. Mendoza was 2-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored. Rivas was 2-for-5 with an RBI. Davis was 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored.
Rivas stole his first base of the season. On defense, Linarez made a throwing error. Ralston picked a runner off first base.
Springfield is 4-1 on the season.
Thursday’s game: at Amarillo, Ixan Henderson LHP (0-0, 0.00) vs. Dylan Ray RHP (0-1, 10.80) 7:05 CT
Peoria at South Bend (postponed)
This game was postponed due to inclement weather. It will be made up as the opener of a doubleheader on Saturday, April 12.
Peoria is 0-4 on the season.
Thursday’s game: at South Bend, Darlin Saladin RHP (0-0, 0.00) vs. Nick Dean RHP (0-0, 0.00) 6:05 CT
The Palm Beach Cardinals were clobbered by the Marauders by a 12-6 score on Wednesday. In his first start, Brandt Thompson pitched four innings, gave up three unearned runs on five hits and fanned five.
Christian Worley surrendered two runs in two innings of relief. Michael Watson yielded seven runs in 1 2/3 innings and took the loss. Randel Clemente secured the final out of the eighth.
The Beach Birds went up 4-0 in the third inning. Anyelo Encarnacion singled. Deniel Ortiz and Jonathan Mejia walked. Won-Bin Cho took a third straight free pass to force in Encarnacion. Ortiz came home on a ground out by Josh Kross. Christian Martin plated Mejia and Cho on a single.
Palm Beach increased the lead to 5-0 in the fourth. Encarnacion walked and stole second base. Mejia walked. Cho drove in Encarnacion on a single. Bradenton immediately answered with three runs in the home fourth to cut the lead to 5-3.
The Cardinals added what became their final run of the game in the fifth as Kross doubled and scored on a single by Luis Pino. In the sixth, the Marauders drove in two to shrink Palm Beach’s lead to 6-5.
From there, Bradenton took control, with two in the seventh and five in the eighth to reach the final score of 12-6.
Palm Beach scored six runs on nine hits. Martin was 3-for-5 with two RBI. Pino was 2-for-5 with an RBI.
On the bases, Encarnacion stole his third base of the season. Cade McGee was picked off and caught stealing.
On defense, Martin made a throwing error. Jose Cordoba had an outfield assist at home.
Palm Beach is 3-2 on the season.
Thursday’s game: at Bradenton, RHP Leonel Sequera (0-0, 2.45) vs. Clevan Tejada RHP (0-0, 2.25) 5:30 CT.
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photo: Chase Davis (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)
The St. Louis Cardinals system was 2-2 on Tuesday. The Cardinal Nation’s Player of the Day, CF Chase Davis, was 3-for-5 with two home runs, five RBI and three runs scored in Springfield’s win. Other standouts include Jeremy Rivas, Dakota Harris and Yordalin Pena.
The Memphis Redbirds were shut out by the Sounds (MIL) in an 8-0 drubbing in Nashville on Tuesday. Starter Ian Bedell pitched 3 2/3 innings, gave up two runs on six hits, struck out three and walked two. Bedell took the loss.
Alex Cornwell surrendered four runs in one inning of relief. Zack Weiss yielded one run in 1 1/3 innings. Riley O’Brien threw a scoreless seventh. Roddery Muñoz tossed a scoreless eighth.
Nashville put up two runs in the second and added four runs in the fifth to increase the lead to 6-0. The Sounds widened their tally with a run in the sixth and eighth innings to win 8-0.
The Memphis offense was held to four hits and three walks. José Barrero was 2-for-4 including a double.
— Springfield Cardinals (@Sgf_Cardinals) April 9, 2025
Oswaldo Berrios threw two perfect innings of relief to earn the win. Luis Gastelum surrendered three runs in the seventh. Edwin Nuñez yielded three runs, two earned, in 2/3 of an inning. Sean Harney tossed the final 1 1/3 scoreless frames.
Springfield opened scoring the top of the second inning on a solo home run by Jeremy Rivas. Amarillo tied the game in the home half.
The Cardinals broke the tie in the third on a solo long ball by Chase Davis. A Dakota Harris solo home run in the fourth increased the lead to 4-1.
So nice, he did it twice! Cardinals #10 Prospect Chase Davis has gone deep twice tonight in Amarillo. pic.twitter.com/hQUEFRSaOG
— Springfield Cardinals (@Sgf_Cardinals) April 9, 2025
Springfield put up six runs in the fifth inning to run the score up to 9-1. Davis hit his second home run of the night, a two-run shot. Leonardo Bernal drew a walk. R.J. Yeager doubled. Rivas plated Bernal and Yeager on a single. Harris walked. Noah Mendlinger advanced Rivas and Harris on a ground out and Brody Moore drove in both on a single.
Jeremy Rivas, you are clear for takeoff. His second long ball of the season puts us on the board early. pic.twitter.com/vB9Xy3yVoz
— Springfield Cardinals (@Sgf_Cardinals) April 9, 2025
The big lead was not secure, however, as Amarillo put up three runs in both the seventh and eighth to cut the gap to 9-7.
In the ninth, Springfield pulled away again with seven runs. Harris singled. Mendlinger walked. Harris was picked off second base. Moore walked. The runners advanced on a balk. Davis doubled to score Mendlinger and Moore. JJ Wetherholt reached on an error. Bernal walked. Yeager reached via an error. Wetherholt and Bernal scored on a single by Rivas. Harris reached on an error as Yeager and Rivas came home.
The Cardinals scored 16 runs on 16 hits. Davis was 3-for-5 with five RBI and three runs scored. Rivas was 3-for-6 with five RBI and three runs scored. Harris was 3-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored. Bernal was 3-for-4 with two runs scored. Moore had two RBI.
On the bases, Harris was picked off. On defense, Bernal made a throwing error and had a passed ball.
Springfield is 3-1 on the season.
Wednesday’s game: at Amarillo, Brycen Mautz LHP (0-0, 0.00) vs. Jose Cabrera RHP (0-0, 0.00) 7:05 CT.
Jawilme Ramirez relieved Rincon and surrendered three runs in 1 2/3 innings to take the loss. Angel Gonzalez allowed two runs in the final 2 1/3 and was charged with a blown save.
Peoria took a 1-0 lead in the third inning. Trey Paige walked. Michael Curialle singled. Tre Richardson plated Paige on a single. The Chiefs added a run in the top of the sixth to lead 2-0. Richardson singled and stole second base. Ian Petrutz drove in Richardson on a double.
The Cubs blew past the Chiefs in the home sixth with five runs. Peoria made it closer with one run in the eighth. Petrutz singled and Brayden Jobert walked. Petrutz came home on a single by Joshua Baez.
The Chiefs scored three runs on eight hits. Richardson was 2-for-3 with an RBI. Petrutz was 2-for-4 with an RBI.
On the bases, Richardson stole his first base of the season but was also picked off first base. On defense, Baez had an outfield assist at third base. Rincon picked a runner off second base.
Peoria is 0-4 for the season.
Wednesday’s game: at South Bend, Darlin Saladin RHP (0-0, 0.00) vs. Nick Dean RHP (0-0, 0.00)
The Palm Beach Cardinals beat the Marauders (PIT) by a 9-4 score in Bradenton on Tuesday. Starter Nelfy Ynfante pitched 3 2/3 innings, gave up three runs on seven hits, and struck out three.
Aaron Holiday relieved Ynfante and threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings. Nolan Sparks surrendered one run in 3 1/3 innings but received the win. Mason Burns tossed the final 2/3 of a scoreless inning.
Bradenton went up 3-0 in the first before the Cardinals cut the lead to 3-2 in the fifth. Yordalin Pena doubled, advanced to third on an error and scored on a ground out by Luis Pino. Bryce Madron thumped a solo home run.
The Marauders added to the lead with a run in the sixth to go up 4-2. Without a hit, the Beach Birds put up three runs in the seventh for a 5-4 lead. Pena, Pino and Madron walked to load the bases. Anyelo Encarnacion was hit by a pitch forcing in Pena. Pino came home when Jonathan Mejia drew a walk. Madron crossed the plate on a wild pitch.
In the eighth, Palm Beach increased the lead to 7-4. Josh Kross singled and Pena hit a two-run home run to right center field.
— Palm Beach Cardinals (@GoPBCardinals) April 8, 2025
The Cardinals made it 9-4 in the ninth. Mejia singled but was caught stealing. Won-Bin Cho and Cade McGee singled. Kross plated Cho on a single. McGee crossed home on a sac fly.
The Palm Beach offense scored nine runs on 10 hits. Pena was 2-for-3 with three RBI and three runs scored. Madron was 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored. Kross was 2-for-5 with an RBI. McGee was 2-for-5.
On the bases, Mejia was caught stealing. On defense, Sammy Hernandez had a passed ball.
Palm Beach is 3-1 on the season.
Wednesday’s game: at Bradenton, RHP Brandt Thompson (career debut) vs. Greiber Mendez RHP (1-0, 0.00) 10:00 am CT.
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photo: Miles Mikolas and Pedro Pages (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)
The first full week of the St. Louis Cardinals’ 2025 season resulted in a dismal 1-5 record. The offense is scoring runs, but through nine games, the staff ERA is last in the National League. Our history feature lists notable team firsts during this week in the past and present.
The St. Louis Cardinals lost to the Angels in extra innings on Monday at Busch Stadium. Starter Miles Mikolas pitched 5 1/3 innings, gave up two runs on two hits, struck out three and walked two.
Chris Roycroft threw 2/3 of scoreless inning of relief. Ryan Fernandez surrendered one run in the seventh. Phil Maton hurled a scoreless eighth. Ryan Helsley tossed a scoreless ninth. JoJo Romero allowed two runs in the 10th and took the loss.
The Cardinals went up in the first inning on a solo home run by Lars Nootbaar. Leading off the second, Brendan Donovan hit his own long ball to make it 2-0.
The Angels scored one in the third, but the Cardinals increased their lead to 3-1 in the fifth. Nootbaar walked and advanced to second on a balk. Luken Baker walked. Nolan Arenado plated Nootbaar on a single.
Los Angeles scored single runs in the sixth and seventh to tie the game. In the top of the 10th, the visitors put up two runs to take the lead 5-3. The Cardinals replied with just one run in the home 10th. Ghost runner Pedro Pages advanced to third on a single by Alec Burleson and came home on a sac fly by Victor Scott.
The Cardinals scored four runs on 11 hits. Nootbaar was 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored. Scott was 2-for-3 with an RBI. Baker and Walker were 2-for-4.
On defense, Scott had an outfield assist at second base.
In their second consecutive extra inning home loss to the Angels, the Cardinals fell 9-7. Starter Matthew Liberatore delivered a quality start, pitching six innings with three runs on six hits and four strikeouts.
Kyle Leahy added two scoreless innings of relief. Ryan Helsley tossed a scoreless ninth to keep the score at 3-3, before the game got away in extra innings.
Ryan Fernandez surrendered three runs, two earned, in the 10th. Chris Roycroft also allowed three runs, two earned, in the 11th and took the loss.
The Cardinals went up 1-0 in the second inning. In his last action before going on the injured list, Nolan Gorman doubled and scored on a single by Jordan Walker. The Angels took the lead with three runs in the third.
St. Louis made it 3-2 in the fourth on a solo home run by Walker and tied the game in the eighth. Lars Nootbaar singled, advanced to second and third on two ground outs, and came home on a throwing error.
In the top of the 10th, the Angels took a 6-3 lead. The Cardinals answered with their own three runs to knot the game up again. Victor Scott started on second base. Masyn Winn walked. Both runners advanced on a wild pitch. Scott and Winn came home on a double by Luken Baker. Michael Siani pinch ran for Baker. Siani went to third on a wild pitch. Brendan Donovan walked. Nolan Arenado plated Siani on a single.
Los Angeles again scored three times in the top of the 11th to lead 9-6, but the Cardinals got only run back in the home 11th. Iván Herrera started at second base and scored on a single by Scott.
The offense scored seven runs on 11 hits. Walker was 2-for-5 with two RBI. Scott was 2-for-5 with an RBI. Nootbaar was 2-for-6. Baker had two RBI.
On the bases, Walker stole his first base of the season. Scott swiped his fourth bag.
The Cardinals avoided being swept at home by prevailing in the final game of the Angels series by the score of 12-5. Starter Sonny Gray pitched six innings, gave up five runs on five hits and fanned nine.
Phil Maton relieved and threw a scoreless seventh. Kyle Leahy hurled 2/3 of a scoreless inning and JoJo Romero tossed the final 1 1/3 scoreless frames to earn the win.
The Angels took a 1-0 lead in the first inning before the Cardinals re-tied the game in the fourth on a solo home run by Iván Herrera.
St. Louis took the lead in the sixth on a two-run home run by Herrera. The Angels answered with four runs in the top of the seventh to go up 5-3.
In the home seventh, the Cardinals scored twice to tie the game again. Masyn Winn and Lars Nootbaar singled. Willson Contreras plated the two with a double.
The Cardinals posted a seven-run eighth to break open the game. Jordan Walker singled. Victor Scott and Winn followed with bunt singles. Contreras walked and Walker scored. Scott came home on an Alec Burleson walk. Nolan Arenado plated Winn and Contreras on a single. Herrera blasted a three-run home run.
The Cardinals scored 12 runs on 12 hits. Herrera was 3-for-4 with three home runs and six RBI. Arenado was 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored. Nootbaar was 2-for-5. Winn was 2-for-4 with two runs. Contreras had two RBI.
The Cardinals lost to the Red Sox by a 13-9 score in Boston on Friday. Starter Erick Fedde pitched three innings, gave up six runs on five hits, struck out one and walked four. Fedde took the loss.
Steven Matz relieved Fedde and surrendered two runs in three innings of relief. Ryan Fernandez allowed three runs in 2/3 of an inning. John King yielded two runs in one inning. Chris Roycroft secured the final out of the eighth.
The Red Sox took a 5-0 lead in the first inning. The Cardinals put up one run in the top of the third. Victor Scott walked. Masyn Winn singled. Lars Nootbaar plated Scott on a single.
Boston made it 6-1 in the home third before St. Louis responded with three runs in the fourth to shrink the lead to 6-4. Nolan Arenado doubled. Alec Burleson singled. Red hot Iván Herrera hit a three-run home run to right center field.
The Cardinals added a run in the top of the fifth to close the gap to 6-5 on a solo home run by Brendan Donovan. The Red Sox immediately answered with two runs in the home fifth to widen the lead to 8-5.
In the top of the seventh, the Cardinals scored one run. Nootbaar doubled and scored on a single by Donovan. Boston responded with three runs in the bottom of the inning to increase the lead to 11-6. The Red Sox added two runs in the eighth for a 13-6 tally.
The Cardinals battled back in the ninth to make it a closer loss with three runs. Winn singled. Nootbaar reached on a fielder’s choice, and Winn advanced to second on an error. Willson Contreras drove in Winn on a single. Donovan plated Nootbaar on a single. Contreras scored on a fielder’s choice by Arenado.
The offense scored nine runs on 13 hits. Donovan was 3-for-5 with three RBI. Nootbaar was 2-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored. Alec Burleson was 3-for-4. Winn was 2-for-4. Herrera had three RBI.
On the bases, Jordan Walker stole his second base of the season. On defense, Walker had an outfield assist at second base.
Saturday, April 5, 2025 – Cardinals at Red Sox (postponed)
Saturday afternoon’s game was postponed due to inclement weather. A doubleheader was played on Sunday.
The Cardinals lost a heartbreaker to Boston in extra innings in the first game of a twin bill at Fenway Park. Starter Andre Pallante pitched 4 1/3 innings, gave up two runs on four hits, fanned six and walked three.
Kyle Leahy threw 1 2/3 scoreless innings of relief. JoJo Romero hurled 1 1/3 scoreless innings. Phil Maton pitched 2/3 of a scoreless inning. Pitching the bottom of the ninth with a two-run lead, Ryan Helsley blew his first save of the season which sent the game into extra innings. Ryan Fernandez gave up the walk off run in the 10th.
The Cardinals scored first with in the top of the fourth. Jordan Walker and Victor Scott singled. Masyn Winn plated Walker on a single. The Red Sox immediately tied the game in the home fourth.
Boston took a 2-1 lead in the fifth before St. Louis tied the game in the sixth. Thomas Saggese and Masyn Winn singled. Pedro Pagés’ ground rule double scored Saggese.
St. Louis took a 4-2 lead in the eighth. Scott walked. Winn was hit by a pitch. Pagés doubled to drive in Scott and Winn.
In Game 2, the Cardinals scored four runs on 11 hits. Pagés was 2-for-4 with three RBI. Winn was 2-for-3 with an RBI. Walker was 2-for-4.
To make matters worse, Ivan Herrera had to leave the game with a knee injury that will lead to time on the injured list. His replacement Pagés picked a runner off first base.
In a miserable Sunday night Game 2 loss to the Red Sox, the Cardinals were swept in the three-game series. Starter Miles Mikolas was awful, lasting only 2 2/3 innings while giving up a whopping nine runs, eight earned, on 11 hits, striking out one and walking one to earn the loss.
Gordon Graceffo, called up as the 27th man for the doubleheader, couldn’t stop the onslaught, surrendering seven runs in three innings of relief. John King yielded two runs, one earned, in 2/3 of an inning. Chris Roycroft pitched the final 1 2/3 innings and was the only Cardinal pitcher to not give up any runs.
The Cardinals took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Willson Contreras doubled and scored on a double by Brendan Donovan. The Red Sox immediately tied the game in the home first.
Boston piled on five runs in the second and four in the third to lead 10-1. The Cardinals managed a second run in the fourth. Alec Burleson doubled and later scored on a single by Masyn Winn.
The Red Sox added an 11th run in the fifth, then blew up the score further with five runs in the sixth to lead 16-2.
In the top of the seventh, the Cardinals cut the lead to 16-3. Lars Nootbaar reached on an error and later came home on a sac fly by Thomas Saggese. In the bottom of the seventh, Boston added two runs and it was 18-3.
The Cardinals made it less embarrassing in the ninth, with four runs to bring the final score to 18-7. Masyn Winn singled and Luken Baker reached on an error. Brendan Donovan plated Winn on double. Thomas Saggese then hit a three-run home run to left center field.
The Cardinals scored seven runs on 12 hits. Donovan was 3-for-4 with two RBI. Winn was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Contreras was 2-for-3. Saggese had four RBI.
On the bases, Donovan was picked off and caught stealing in a questionable and botched attempt to steal third base. On defense, Victor Scott made a fielding error. Pedro Pagés had a passed ball.
The Big Picture
After a 3-0 start to the season, the Cardinals went 1-5 in their first full week. It was a miserable week to be sure, with rain outs, doubleheaders, and blowouts. They won 1 of 3 over the Angels at home and were swept in Boston. The final game with the Red Sox was an embarrassing mess.
The team has a record of 4-5 and has dropped to third in the NL Central behind the Cubs and the Brewers. Fortunately, it is very early in the season.
The offense was perfectly fine, better than they have been in two seasons. They had at least 10 hits in nine straight games, which included games they lost.
The top offensive performers by OPS are Thomas Saggese (1.650), Iván Herrera (1.518), Brendan Donovan (1.010) and Luken Baker (.955).
For the second week, no Cardinals had an OPS below .500 except Michael Siani, who as a defense and baserunning specialist had only one at-bat the entire week.
The issue is most definitely pitching, both the rotation and the bullpen. Even the one win of the week was not a great start by Sonny Gray. The worst start was by Miles Mikolas against the Red Sox, which he lost by the second inning. He was awful, and that is an understatement. In two starts, Mikolas has given up 13 hits and 11 runs.
No starter had an ERA for the week below 4.00. The back end duo of Andre Pallante (4.15) and Matthew Liberatore (4.50) were the best performing starters. No starter won a game. The only winning pitcher this week was reliever JoJo Romero. Romero, Kyle Leahy, and Phil Maton were the only pitchers with an ERA below 4.00 for the week.
Former Red Sox Ryan Fernandez had an especially bad time in Boston, allowing four runs in the late innings that contributed to two of the losses. His ERA over five appearances this season is 13.50.
Sonny Gray was the starter for the lone Cardinal win. He gave up five runs and had an ERA for the week of 7.50.
With a team ERA of 6.01, the Cardinals staff is dead last in the National League. The starters at 6.44 are last and the relievers, at 5.54, are 12th of 15.
Needless to say, the pitching must improve, or changes need to be made. What those changes could possibly be this early in the season is a question mark.
The Cardinals are in Pittsburgh to face the last-place Pirates. They will face 2024 NL Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes Tuesday. The team ends the week at home against the Phillies who are a first-place team with a record of 7-2.
NL Central Standings
Team
W
L
Pct
GB
Chicago
7
5
0.583
Milwaukee
5
5
0.500
1
St. Louis
4
5
0.444
1.5
Cincinnati
3
7
0.300
3
Pittsburgh
3
7
0.300
3
Trade and Acquisition Rumors
There are no trade and acquisition rumors to report.
4/4 The Cardinals placed 2B Nolan Gorman on the 10-day injured list retroactive to April 2. Right hamstring strain.
4/4 The Cardinals recalled 2B Thomas Saggese from the Memphis Redbirds.
4/6 The Cardinals recalled RHP Gordon Graceffo from the Memphis Redbirds as the 27th man for Sunday’s doubleheader.
Injury Report
LHP Zack Thompson (left shoulder strain) was placed on the 15-day injured list on March 24. Thompson was shut down in early March with a Grade 1 lat strain and was scheduled to be out for 3 to 4 weeks. A return date is to be determined.
2B Nolan Gorman was placed on the 10-day injured list retroactive to April 2. Right hamstring strain.
C Iván Herrera left the first game of Sunday’s doubleheader with what was diagnosed as “left knee inflammation”. Scans came back clean, so the injury isn’t serious, but Herrera will likely be put on the 10-day IL for the minimum period of time.
Looking Ahead
The Cardinals are in Pittsburgh for a three-game series against the Pirates that begins on Monday
After a travel day on Thursday, April 10, the Cardinals return to St. Louis to play the Phillies in a weekend series at Busch Stadium. The homestand continues with three against the Astros.
The Cardinals then head to New York to face the Mets in a four-game set. The road trip continues to Atlanta for three with the Braves.
After a travel day on Thursday the 24th, the team returns home to take on the Brewers in a weekend series at Busch Stadium. They end the month of April in Cincinnati for three with the Reds.
Blast from the Past
The first full week of the 2025 season was completed on Sunday night. The previous week, the Cardinals swept the Twins in a three-game series for their first 3-0 start since 2007.
This week’s Blast from the Past will look at some other “firsts” that occurred during the period of March 31 through April 6.
Mark McGwire (Getty Images)
March 31, 1998 – Opening Day 1998 featured the first home run of Mark McGwire’s history-making 70 home run season. It was also the first time in franchise history a player hit a grand slam on Opening Day. So, this counts for two firsts!
March 31, 2017 – Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina was the first player to be issued an intentional walk without a pitch being thrown. This was a result of a new rule implemented for the 2017 season and beyond that allows an intentional walk simply by indicating intent to the umpire.
April 2, 2025 – Catcher Iván Herrera became the first Cardinal catcher to hit three home runs in a single game.
April 3, 2018 – The Cardinals began a game with the Brewers with back-to-back home runs from Dexter Fowler and Tommy Pham. The game ended with back-to-back home runs by Milwaukee’s Ryan Braun and Christian Yelich. This is the first and only time this has occurred in the history of Major League Baseball.
Stephen Piscotty (USA TODAY Sports Images)
April 6, 2009 and April 6, 2012 – These two “firsts” are debuts. David Freese of 2011 World Series Fame made his major league debut on April 6, 2009. On April 6, 2012, Mike Matheny made his managerial debut with the Cardinals.
Bonus entry, April 4, 2017 – This event was not necessarily a “first” (it is unknown whether it was or wasn’t) but it was an oddity that deserves to be highlighted. Outfielder Stephen Piscotty took a turn around the bases for the ages. In the fifth inning against the Cubs, he was hit by a pitch and took his place at first base. While advancing to second on a wild pitch, Piscotty was hit on the elbow by a throw from Cubs catcher Willson Contreras. Then, as he came in to score on a misplayed ball to first base, Piscotty was hit in the head by the throw home from second baseman Javier Baez. Piscotty was forced to leave the game with a possible concussion.
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photo: Michael McGreevy (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)
The St. Louis Cardinals system was 3-0 on Friday as the Opening Day games at Springfield and Peoria were postponed. TCN’s Player of the Day, Michael McGreevy, pitched five scoreless innings on three hits and five strikeouts in Memphis’ game one win. Other standouts include César Prieto, Bryan Torres, Jonathan Mejia and Anyelo Encarnacion.
The Memphis Redbirds beat the Bisons by a 4-1 score at AutoZone Park in the first game of Friday’s twin bill. It was the reschedule of Thursday’s rainout.
Michael McGreevy started. The right hander pitched five scoreless innings, allowed three hits, fanned five and walked one to earn his first win.
Memphis went up in the second inning on a two-run home run by César Prieto and increased the lead to 4-0 in the fifth. Prieto singled and stole second base. Gavin Collins plated Prieto on a single. Collins later scored on a single by José Fermín.
In Game 1, Memphis scored four runs on five hits. Prieto was 2-for-2 with two RBI and two runs scored.
On the bases, Prieto stole his first base of the season. On defense, Collins made a fielding error and Loutos had a throwing error. Bryan Torres had an outfield assist at third base.
The Redbirds defeated the Bisons in the second game of Friday’s twin bill at AutoZone Park. Quinn Mathews started. The left hander pitched 3 2/3 innings, gave up one run on two hits, fanned four and walked a career-high six.
Curtis Taylor relieved Mathews and threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings to earn the win. Roddery Muñoz tossed a scoreless seventh to earn the save.
Buffalo scored the first run in the top of the third inning. Memphis answered with the tying run in the home half. In his 2025 debut, Mike Antico doubled. Bryan Torres singled. Antico scored on a force out off the bat of José Fermín.
The Redbirds put up two runs in the fourth to lead 3-1. Michael Helman drew a walk. Jose Barrero doubled to plate Helman. Barrero scored on a single by Matt Lloyd.
In Game 2, the offense scored three runs on seven hits. Torres was 2-for-2.
On the bases, Torres stole his first of the season. Fermín and Lloyd were each caught stealing.
The Redbirds are 5-2 for the season, including five consecutive wins.
Saturday’s game: vs. Buffalo, Gordon Graceffo RHP (0-0, 15.43) vs. TBD (BUF) 3:05 CT.
Springfield vs. Wichita (postponed)
The Double-A Cardinals’ season opener was postponed due to rain in the area. It will be played as part of a doubleheader on Sunday, April 6.
Saturday’s game: vs. Wichita, RHP Tekoah Roby (0-0, 0.00) vs. LHP Connor Prielipp (0-0, 0.00) 6:05 CT.
Peoria vs. Quad Cities (postponed)
The High-A Chiefs’ first game of 2025 was postponed due to rain. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Saturday, April 5.
Saturday’s games: vs Quad Cities, Gerardo Salas RHP (0-0, 0.00) vs. Drew Bream RHP (0-0, 0.00) 4:30 CT (game one); vs. Quad Cities, Cade Winquest RHP (0-0, 0.00) vs. TBD (game two).
The Low-A Cardinals opened their season on a high note, defeating the Mighty Mussels by an 8-2 margin on Friday at Roger Dean Stadium. Starter Leonel Sequera pitched 3 2/3 innings, gave up one run on three hits, struck out two and walked one.
Aaron Holiday threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings of relief to earn the win. Christian Worley surrendered one run in one inning. Sam Brodersen hurled a scoreless inning. Michael Watson tossed the final two scoreless frames to earn the save.
Palm Beach took a 2-0 lead in the third inning. Anyelo Encarnacion drew a walk and stole second base. Jonathan Mejia tripled to score Encarnacion. Mejia came home on a single by Won-Bin Cho.
Fort Myers put up one run in the top of the fourth to cut the lead to 2-1. The Beach Birds answered with a run in the home half to lead 3-1. Cade McGee doubled and later scored on a double by Christian Martin.
The Cardinals added a run in the fifth to increase the lead to 4-1. Cho reached on an error, advanced on a wild pitch, and came home on a single by Jose Suarez.
In the top of the seventh, the Mighty Mussels shrunk the lead to 4-2. Palm Beach responded with a run in the bottom of the frame for a 5-2 lead. Encarnacion walked and later came home on a single by Luis Pino.
In the eighth, the Cardinals scored three runs for the final score of 8-2. Martin tripled and crossed the plate on a wild pitch. Encarnacion hit a solo home run. Mejia tripled, and Pino plated him on a single.
Anyelo's first homerun of the season had an exit velo of 100.7 MPH and reached 371 feet! pic.twitter.com/1EYcVS3aKr
— Palm Beach Cardinals (@GoPBCardinals) April 5, 2025
The Cardinals scored eight runs on 13 hits. Mejia was 2-for-4 including a triple, with a walk, an RBI and two runs scored. Pino was 2-for-2 with two RBI. Suarez was 2-for-5 with an RBI. Martin was 2-for-4 with an RBI. McGee was 2-for-4. Encarnacion homered, walked twice and scored three runs.
On the bases, Encarnacion stole two. Suarez was caught stealing. On defense, Encarnacion made a throwing error.
Palm Beach is 1-0 on the season.
Saturday’s game: vs. Fort Myers, TBD (PB) vs. Dasan Hill LHP (0-0, 0.00) 5:00 CT.
Now Available – 2025 Cardinals Prospect Guide
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All paid members can purchase our Prospect Guide PDF at 50% off. Thank you for your support of The Cardinal Nation!
Peoria 12, Dayton 5 (eight innings)
FCL Cardinals 0, FCL Mets 4 (seven innings)
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Looking Ahead
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Looking Ahead
