Cardinals Open Crucial Interleague Set Against the Texas Rangers
The Cardinal Chronicle
Cardinals Open Crucial Interleague Set Against the Texas Rangers
St. Louis, MO
By Ray Mileur
The St. Louis Cardinals return to Busch Stadium tonight to open a three-game interleague series against the Texas Rangers, beginning a short but important homestand after a hard-fought weekend against the Chicago Cubs.
There will also be a familiar face in the opposing dugout, as Texas manager Skip Schumaker returns to Busch Stadium, where he remains a fan favorite from his days wearing the birds on the bat. Schumaker played for the Cardinals from 2005 through 2012, was part of the 2011 World Series championship club, and later served as the Cardinals’ bench coach before continuing his managerial climb. Now leading the Rangers, Schumaker brings Texas into St. Louis not as a stranger, but as one of those former Cardinals who still gets a well-earned welcome from the Busch Stadium crowd.
St. Louis enters the series at 31-26, still holding firm in second place in the National League Central and trying to keep pace in what has become a tightly contested division race. Texas comes to town at 28-31, but the Rangers arrive with some momentum after winning three straight as they try to climb back into the American League West picture.
This is the kind of early-June series that does not always feel big on the calendar, but it can matter plenty by the time September rolls around. For the Cardinals, it is another chance to prove that the recent stretch of improved baseball is more than just a good run. For the Rangers, it is a chance to turn a three-game winning streak into something more substantial.
Series Schedule
Monday, June 1 — 6:45 p.m. CDT
Texas Rangers at St. Louis Cardinals
RHP Michael McGreevy (3-4, 2.98 ERA) vs. RHP Jacob deGrom (3-4, 4.77 ERA)
Cards.TV / KMOX / WIJR
Tuesday, June 2 — 6:45 p.m. CDT
Texas Rangers at St. Louis Cardinals
RHP Dustin May (3-6, 4.57 ERA) vs. RHP Nathan Eovaldi (5-6, 3.93 ERA)
Cards.TV / KMOX / WIJR
Wednesday, June 3 — 6:45 p.m. CDT
Texas Rangers at St. Louis Cardinals
RHP Andre Pallante (5-4, 4.19 ERA) vs. LHP MacKenzie Gore (4-4, 3.96 ERA)
Cards.TV / KMOX / WIJR
The opener brings one of the most intriguing matchups of the series, with Michael McGreevy getting the ball for St. Louis against Jacob deGrom. DeGrom’s name still carries ace-level weight, even if his current numbers show a pitcher who has been more hittable than the vintage version that dominated the National League for years.
McGreevy, meanwhile, continues to give the Cardinals the kind of steady, strike-throwing presence this rotation badly needed. He is not overpowering hitters in the traditional sense, but he has shown the ability to pitch, compete, and keep St. Louis in games. Against a Rangers lineup that can still punish mistakes, McGreevy’s command and poise will be tested.
Tuesday’s game features Dustin May against Nathan Eovaldi, another veteran arm with postseason experience. May has had an uneven season, but his stuff gives the Cardinals a chance if he can work ahead and avoid the crooked inning. Eovaldi remains a tough assignment, especially when he is pounding the zone and forcing hitters to earn their way on base.
The finale gives Andre Pallante the start for St. Louis against left-hander MacKenzie Gore. Pallante has had his ups and downs, but he remains capable of giving the Cardinals competitive innings when he keeps the ball on the ground and limits free passes. Gore gives Texas a different look from the left side, which should make lineup construction an important piece of Wednesday night’s matchup.
Offensively, the Cardinals will be looking to build on the flashes of depth they have shown in recent weeks. When this club strings together quality at-bats, uses the whole field, and puts pressure on opposing defenses, it looks like a much different team. The Cardinals have been at their best when the lineup is not waiting for one big swing, but instead forcing pitchers to work through traffic.
Jordan Walker remains one of the key bats to watch. His recent stretch has shown signs of progress, and when he is driving the baseball with authority, the middle of the order carries a different look. Ivan Herrera also continues to be one of the more dependable offensive pieces on the roster, giving the Cardinals needed production at a premium position.
For Texas, the power threat is real. Jake Burger leads the Rangers with 10 home runs, and this is still a lineup capable of changing a game quickly if pitchers fall behind or defenses give away extra outs. The Rangers have not been as consistent offensively as they would like, but their recent three-game winning streak is a reminder that a talented club can get dangerous in a hurry.
The late innings may decide this series. The Cardinals’ bullpen will need to be sharp, especially against a Texas team that can take advantage of mistakes and extend innings when given the opportunity. St. Louis cannot afford extra bases through walks, defensive miscues, or missed execution. Against a club with the Rangers’ experience, clean baseball matters.
For the Cardinals, the formula remains simple: get solid starting pitching, take quality at-bats, protect the baseball defensively, and get the game to the late innings with a lead. That may not sound fancy, but fancy does not win in June. Sound baseball does.
The Cardinals have played themselves into position to be taken seriously in the National League Central. Now they have to keep stacking series, especially at home. This three-game set against Texas is another measuring stick — and another opportunity to show that the Cardinals are not just hanging around.
They are trying to stay in the fight.
The Cardinal Chronicle, in association with Gateway Sports
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Photo Credit: Skip Schumaker, Texas Rangers | Dallas Morning News