The St. Louis Cardinals edged out the Milwaukee Brewers with a 3-2 victory at American Family Field. Despite the Brewers’ strong overall season record, the Cardinals managed to claim a narrow win and improve their record to 72-77. Miles Mikolas was the winning pitcher for the Cardinals, improving his record to 7-10 with a 4.84 ERA.
The Brewers, who hold a leading position in the NL Central, saw their record slip to 91-58 with this defeat. Jose Quintana took the loss for Milwaukee, dropping to an 11-6 record with a 3.88 ERA. This game did little to dent Milwaukee’s stronghold on the division, but it was a significant morale booster for the Cardinals.
Cardinals’ Offensive Burst
The Cardinals scored all three of their runs in the second inning. Contributions came from Fermín, Pagés, and Church, each driving in a run. Though the Cardinals managed only six hits throughout the game, their early offensive output proved crucial.
With a double from Nolan Gorman and steady contributions from other players, the Cardinals executed when it mattered. Their six hits were just enough to maintain a lead over the Brewers’ eight hits. The Cardinals’ ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities was key to their win.
Brewers’ Response and Pitching Performance
Milwaukee made their attempt to chip away at the Cardinals’ lead by scoring one run in the fourth and another in the fifth inning. Jansen and Durbin were responsible for these runs, with both players hitting solo home runs. Despite their efforts, the Brewers were unable to push across any additional runs.
On the mound, the Brewers utilized six pitchers throughout the game. Aaron Ashby and Joel Payamps managed to keep the Cardinals scoreless after Quintana exited the game. Despite a valiant effort, the Brewers’ pitching staff couldn’t undo the damage done in the second inning.
Cardinals’ Bullpen Seals the Win
St. Louis relied on a combination of relievers to maintain their narrow lead. After Mikolas exited, King, Alcala, Romero, and O’Brien combined for four scoreless innings. The Cardinals’ bullpen showed resilience, striking out six and allowing only three hits in relief.
Riley O’Brien closed out the game with a scoreless ninth inning. His two strikeouts helped seal the Cardinals’ victory. This strong bullpen performance highlighted the Cardinals’ pitching depth despite their overall season struggles.
With this win, the Cardinals remain in fourth place in the NL Central. Manager Oliver Marmol will look to build on this momentum as they return home to face the Cincinnati Reds. The upcoming series at Busch Stadium provides the Cardinals with a chance to improve their division record.
The Brewers, under manager Pat Murphy, will aim to regroup as they prepare to face the Los Angeles Angels in a home series. Maintaining their strong home record will be crucial as the regular season winds down. Despite the loss, the Brewers remain well-positioned for postseason action with a commanding division lead.
