Cardinals’ Bullpen Falters Late, Rays Avoid Series Sweep
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — After Kyle Gibson threw 91 pitches through six solid innings, the Cardinals faced a critical decision: let Gibson continue into the seventh or turn the game over to the bullpen. They opted for the latter, bringing in Kyle Leahy, a choice that would soon prove costly.
Leahy issued a leadoff walk, followed by a single, and then a sacrifice fly, which cut the Cardinals’ lead over the Rays to 4-3. Leahy’s outing ended shortly after, and JoJo Romero was called in to stop the bleeding. However, the damage had already begun. On Romero’s very first pitch, Brandon Lowe launched a two-run homer just beyond the reach of a leaping Victor Scott II, turning the game around and propelling the Rays to a 6-4 victory. This loss prevented the Cardinals from completing a sweep of the three-game series at Busch Stadium.
The Rays tacked on an additional insurance run in the ninth inning, sealing the Cardinals’ fate.
Game Breakdown
At the Plate:
The Cardinals jumped to an early 3-2 lead in the first inning, thanks to RBI hits from Nolan Arenado, Brendan Donovan, and Paul Goldschmidt. Arenado had a standout performance, snapping a hitless streak with a three-hit night, including a single in the third that drove him home after another Goldschmidt single. Despite this strong start, the Cardinals struggled in clutch situations, going hitless in five at-bats with runners in scoring position and leaving six runners stranded on second or third. Both Masyn Winn and Victor Scott II contributed with two hits each.
On the Mound:
Kyle Gibson began the game on shaky ground, giving up a single and a double on his first two pitches, followed by a two-out single from Dylan Carlson that drove in both runs. However, Gibson settled down and scattered just four hits over the next five innings, walking one and striking out six. With closers Ryan Helsley and Andrew Kittredge unavailable, the Rays capitalized in the ninth, scoring their final run when John King allowed an inherited runner from Shawn Armstrong to cross the plate.
Key Stat:
Gibson has struggled in the early innings this season, allowing 14 runs in the first inning and 16 runs in the second across his 22 starts. His combined ERA for those innings stands at 6.14. In contrast, he has allowed just 26 runs in all other innings he has pitched.
Additional Notes:
Gibson has not factored into the decision in four of his last five starts, with his last win dating back to July 7. Despite throwing 96 or more pitches in each of his previous five starts, he has not won a game at Busch Stadium since May 17. Both Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado stole a base in the same game for only the second time as teammates. The loss leaves the Cardinals seven games behind the Brewers in the NL Central and 2½ games out of the final wild-card spot.
Looking Ahead:
Miles Mikolas is set to take the mound on Friday night as the Cardinals head to Kansas City for a short two-game series against the Royals.
