Cardinals Eye Series Clincher in Pittsburgh

The Cardinal Chronicle
Cardinals Eye Series Clincher in Pittsburgh
ST. LOUIS
By Ray Mileur

PITTSBURGH — The St. Louis Cardinals have an opportunity Wednesday night to do more than simply win another game. They can put a firm grip on this four-game set at PNC Park and continue building momentum during a demanding stretch of 17 games in 17 days.

After storming back for a dramatic 4-2 win Monday night, then following it with an 11-7 offensive outburst Tuesday, St. Louis will send right-hander Andre Pallante to the mound looking for a third straight win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
First pitch is scheduled for 5:40 p.m. CT at PNC Park.

What looked like a sleepy road trip just 48 hours ago has suddenly turned into an opportunity series.

On Monday, the Cardinals were staring at a near no-hit loss before erupting for four runs in the ninth inning, sparked by late home runs from Pedro Pagés and rookie sensation J.J. Wetherholt. On Tuesday, there was no waiting around — St. Louis pounced early, built a 6-0 lead, and rode contributions across the lineup to an 11-run night.

That’s back-to-back wins in very different fashion — one built on grit, the other on pure firepower.

That’s encouraging baseball.

Now comes the next test: consistency.

Pallante enters at 2-2 with a 4.26 ERA, but those numbers only tell part of the story. When he keeps the sinker down and works ahead in counts, he gives St. Louis exactly what it needs: competitive innings, ground balls, and a chance to win late. He has been steady, if not flashy, and owns a solid history against Pittsburgh, posting a 3.33 ERA in 18 career appearances.

For a Cardinals club that leaned heavily on its bullpen early in this series, length from Pallante would be a welcome sight.

Pittsburgh counters with rookie right-hander Bubba Chandler, one of the better young arms in their system, but command has been an issue. Chandler has electric stuff, but 16 walks in 24 innings is a red flag. If the Cardinals remain patient and force him into hitters' counts, there should be opportunities to do damage.

That patience has begun showing up.

Nolan Gorman appears to be finding his timing. Alec Burleson continues to quietly stack quality at-bats. Jordan Walker is driving in runs. Wetherholt keeps looking more comfortable every day in the big leagues.

And just like that, an offense that looked stuck in neutral has life again.

One player to watch for Pittsburgh is Nick Gonzales, who brings an eight-game hitting streak into Wednesday's contest and has been one of the few consistent sparks in the Pirates' lineup.

The Bottom Line

The Cardinals came to Pittsburgh in search of offense. They may have found something bigger — confidence.

A win Wednesday doesn't just secure the series. It keeps momentum rolling, gives St. Louis a chance at a four-game sweep Thursday afternoon and continues to shape the identity of a club that keeps showing signs it may be tougher than many expected.

Sometimes baseball turns on one inning.

For these Cardinals, that ninth inning on Monday may have changed the week.

The Cardinal Chronicle in association with Gateway Sports