If there’s one thing—aside from winning—that can unite a fanbase behind a team, it’s a club that never quits. A team that keeps applying pressure and battles relentlessly until the final out is recorded.
That’s exactly what this St. Louis Cardinals team embodies.
When the Redbirds fall behind, there’s no sense of defeat in the dugout. They grab their bats, strap on their helmets, and go to work at the plate. While their bullpen struggled early in the season, it has transformed over the past month into a group that can shut down opposing offenses and keep the team in games.
Saturday’s series-clinching win over the Arizona Diamondbacks was a perfect example.
Tied 1-1 in the bottom of the seventh, the Cardinals sparked a rally with the lower half of the lineup. Jordan Walker delivered a clutch two-run double, followed by an RBI groundout from Yohel Pozo, giving the Cardinals a 4-1 lead heading into the eighth.
Then, their usually stellar defense faltered. Arizona capitalized, plating four runs to take a 5-4 lead, and suddenly Busch Stadium was deflated. I even received messages from fellow writers commenting on Walker’s misplay in right field—it was the kind of inning that typically spells the end for most teams.
But not these Cardinals.
They went right back to work, with the bottom of the lineup stepping up once again. Arenado brought home Ivan Herrera with an RBI groundout, and then Walker redeemed himself with a go-ahead RBI single to score Alec Burleson, making it 6-5.
The ninth inning was tense, but the Cardinals’ defense rebounded. Arenado made a game-saving diving stop to prevent a run and recorded the second out, setting the stage for Ryan Helsley to strike out Eugenio Suarez and lock down the win.
The 2025 St. Louis Cardinals can never be counted out in any contest.
Let me share a few stats that highlight how the Cardinals have embraced a resilient mindset this season.
Offensively, the Cardinals have been strong late in games, ranking eighth in MLB for runs scored from the seventh inning onward. When trailing, they own the fourth-highest batting average, second-highest on-base percentage, tenth-highest slugging percentage, and ninth-best OPS in the league.
Key contributors in those situations include Ivan Herrera, Alec Burleson, Willson Contreras, and Brendan Donovan — all of whom have an OPS over .830 when the team is behind.
The bullpen has been just as impressive. Since April 25 (when Ryan Fernandez was optioned to Memphis), Cardinals relievers have posted a 3.16 ERA in the seventh inning or later, the seventh-best in the majors. This team refuses to fold.
However, there is one area that needs improvement. While the offense delivers when trailing, its performance dips in high-leverage moments — specifically in close games during the eighth inning or later (when the score is within two runs).
In those situations, the Cardinals’ offense ranks in the lower third across most key metrics. That may be partly due to their average offensive output when leading, but a truly relentless team also knows how to close the door when it has the upper hand.
If the Cardinals keep showing this kind of fight, not only will they stay in the playoff picture throughout the summer, but fans will continue to pack Busch Stadium, eager to watch a team that plays with heart and determination.
Be the first to comment