The St. Louis Cardinals are experiencing an impressive turnaround after a slow start to the season. They surged in May, currently holding a record of 33-26, and are firmly in the race for the postseason. Their recent success includes a notable nine-game winning streak early in the month, followed by six wins in their last nine games as they prepare to face the Kansas City Royals (31-29) at Busch Stadium.
The Cardinals have demonstrated offensive prowess, averaging 4.63 runs scored per game, which ranks eighth in Major League Baseball. They also have showcased solid batting averages at home, hitting .281 with an on-base percentage of .350 and a slugging percentage of .425. Notably, players like Brendan Donovan and Lars Nootbaar have shone brightly, with Donovan hitting .361 against right-handed pitchers and Nootbaar maintaining a .309 average at home.
Defensively, the Cardinals lead the league in Outs Above Average, with standout performances from Victor Scott II and Masyn Winn. Their pitching roster features reliable arms like Miles Mikolas, who remains undefeated against the Royals with a 1.67 ERA in four starts. Andre Pallante, despite a modest strikeout rate, boasts a groundball percentage that ranks second in the league.
In their last meeting, the Cardinals won two of three games against the Royals, allowing only five runs combined. This strong home record, coupled with their impressive offensive display, sets them up for a potential victory in the upcoming game.
Moreover, additional excitement surrounds the upcoming series with the debut of Jac Caglianone for the Royals. As the Missouri Legislature considers funding for a new ballpark, this rivalry series offers both teams a chance to showcase their talent and perhaps gain support for their respective futures.
The anticipation for this matchup holds promise for Cardinals fans and highlights the thrilling nature of the season. With both teams vying for a favorable position, it remains to be seen who will gain the upper hand in this Missouri showdown.