The St. Louis Cardinals are experiencing a tumultuous season that seems to have hit rock bottom. During their game against the Miami Marlins, rookie Jordan Walker’s powerful two-run shot in the top of the ninth inning initially gave the Cardinals a glimmer of hope. However, this excitement was short-lived and overshadowed by an unfortunate fielding mistake from closer Jordan Hicks in the bottom half of the inning. This error ultimately led to the Cardinals’ devastating 10-9 loss to the Marlins at loanDepot Park.
The Marlins had runners on first and second with one out when Joey Wendle stepped up to bat. Hicks had a 1-2 count on Wendle and decided to unleash a 101 mph fastball. Unfortunately, Wendle only managed to lightly tap the ball in front of the mound. With both Garrett Hampson and Yuli Gurriel running on the pitch, Hicks had no choice but to play for the second out at first base. However, he double-clutched the ball in his glove and ended up throwing it way over first baseman Paul Goldschmidt’s head, sending it into right field. This costly mistake allowed both runners to score, granting the Marlins a walk-off win in an incredibly unexpected manner.
This play adds to the growing list of surprising and disappointing moments in the Cardinals’ uncharacteristically dreadful season. Just the day before, they suffered a 15-2 loss to the Marlins. Last year, they clinched the National League Central title with the help of Goldschmidt’s outstanding performance, earning him the Most Valuable Player award. However, they currently find themselves at the bottom of the division with a disappointing 35-51 record.
According to CBS Sports, the team is on track to finish with its worst record since 1913 when they ended the season with a 51-99 record. While the Cardinals’ offense ranks eighth in baseball with a .754 OPS, their pitching staff has struggled, with the fifth-worst starters’ ERA at 4.96. Adding injury to insult, veteran right-hander Adam Wainwright, who has struggled with a 7.66 ERA in 11 starts this year, has now been placed on the injured list due to shoulder inflammation.
Since the start of the 2000 season, the Cardinals have only had one season with a sub-.500 record, finishing 78-84 in 2007.
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