It had the makings of a potential heartbreaker. All signs seemed to be pointing towards yet another gut wrenching loss.
But the Cardinals held on for a final of 6-5, giving them their first series win against a team over .500 since mid-May and marking the first time they’ve won consecutive games against an above .500 team all year.
“These first two games were just validation that we should be playing a lot better than we have been,” said Adam Wainwright, who despite an inefficient outing was still able to get the win, going five innings and allowing three runs. “We’re a better team than we’ve shown, and these last couple of games, we beat a tough team in their park with a very great, tough crowd to play in front of.”
St. Louis also passed the Chicago Cubs and moved into third-place in the NL Central, while also picking up a half-game on the Brewers, who’s game with the Mets was postponed.
The Cardinals got off to a hot start, scoring two in the first inning on a home-run by Nolan Arenado. But the Giants took advantage of Wainwright’s shaky command and got back into the game, tying it in the bottom of the third on a two-run double by Brandon Crawford.
But Paul Goldschmidt came through for the veteran right-hander, lacing a two-run single into left field to put the Cards back on top.
Still, the Giants weren’t through, coming to within one in the bottom of the fifth, as Crawford picked up another hit. And they continued to keep the pressure on, despite the Cardinals picking up some insurance on a hit by Yadier Molina and a solo shot by Edmundo Sosa, who was thrusted into the lineup due to Tyler O’Neill being a late scratch.
San Francisco took advantage of a couple of misplayed pop-ups, one of which got them back within a run in the eighth. Even worse for St. Louis, two of their best relievers, All-Star closer Alex Reyes and Giovanny Gallegos, were unavailable, and Genesis Cabrera was shaky.
It all came to a head in the bottom of the ninth, as the Giants put the tying and winning runs on base with nobody out. After Cabrera recorded the first out, the Cards turned to their newest addition, Justin Miller, who proceeded to retire Chadwick Tromp.
The only thing standing in the way now was Jason Vossler. And on an 0-1 pitch, he drove one into left-field, sending Dylan Carlson back to the wall.
But Carlson leapt and snagged it, securing the Cardinals win and earning Miller his first save as a Cardinal, as well as some praise from the game’s starter.
“You saw right away the first pitch that Miller made when he came in, 94, nasty, moving right up underneath the hands, that set up the whole at bat,” Wainwright said. “That was a huge pitch and so I was proud of him. He did a great job, man. He’s pitched on some good teams though, it’s not surprising.”
But his first save with his new time wouldn’t have been possible if not for Carlson’s highlight-reel play that saved the game,
“DC is very mature for his age,” said Arenado. “Always staying ready. That’s the sign of a good player, and it was just an unbelievable play and a great win.”
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