The Cardinals are on a roll and were able to win yet another road series against a very tough team in the Royals. However, the bats went quite on Sunday, and the Royals finally broke through, resulting in a 2-1 Cardinals loss and a missed chance at a sweep in the I-70 series.
The only Cardinals run scored when Alec Burleson took former Cardinal Michael Wacha deep in the fourth inning. Unfortunately, the Royals punched right back and tied the game on a Dairon Blanco double. Maikel Garcia put them in front in the seventh inning with a hit off Chris Roycroft.
Personally, as much as I think Oli Marmol has improved this season, that was certainly a bold choice to use Roycroft instead of a rested Phil Maton. I think that would have been the better choice, but at least JoJo Romero was solid in the eighth. Let’s get into some takeaways, shall we?
Offense goes quiet
Unfortunately, Burleson’s home run was all the Cardinals were able to muster today. In fact, they went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position. I’m not concerned, as the offense has performed well lately, but that’s just not going to get it done, even against a team with a lackluster offense like the Royals.
More than anything though, I think it’s just a testament to their pitching, which like last night was very good today. We’ll get into more of that later, but the bullpen was able to slow the Cardinals offense down and prevent any further damage.
Another solid start for Libby
Matthew Liberatore drew the start in the series finale as the Cardinals sought a sweep, and while the sweep eluded them, Libby certainly did his job.
He allowed just one run on six hits and struck out five batters over six solid innings, walking just one. Without question, he has been the Cardinals best starter this year, and it’s good to finally see him have success as in the rotation.
I wasn’t sure how he’d adapt this year, especially after being moved around so many times, but you have to give him credit, as he has made the transition seamless. Even with all the pitching injuries at Triple-A, the rotation at the big-league level is looking good and the future is bright.
Old pal not friendly
Starting for the Royals was none other than Michael Wacha. The former Cardinal and 2013 NLCS MVP was a little bit shaky, but he got the job done and made it tough on the Cards today.
Wacha scattered eight hits and allowed just one run over five innings, striking out six and not allowing any walks. Personally, I’m happy for Wacha that he’s been able to overcome all the injury problems that plagued him as a Cardinal. I just wish the Cardinals were able to get to him.
On top of that, his resurgence in recent years is making me miss him. This is what the Cardinals knew they had in him, and he finally is pitching to his potential, but it would have been nice to see the Cardinals possibly try to bring him back when he was a free agent in 2022 and 2023.
He’s a reliable veteran presence, and that is something the Cardinals certainly missed the last two years.
The Cardinals return home for a tall task, as the Tigers come to town for a three-game series. They have the best record in all of baseball, and Sonny Gray will try to tame them in the series opener tomorrow.