Matthew Liberatore (Julio Cortez/Associated Press)
The St. Louis Cardinals split the London series with the Chicago Cubs. The Cardinals snuck out of the series with one win despite the continued struggles of their starting pitching.
Wainwright Stumbles in Game One
The first game of the series was seemingly over as soon as it started. Adam Wainwright stumbled immediately giving up seven runs on eleven hits in only three-plus innings of work. Two of those hits were homeruns by Ian Happ who has owned Wainwright the past few years. In fact, of the last seven homeruns Waino has give up to the Cubs, Happ has six of them. He should just stop pitching to him.
Unfortunately for the Cardinals, this kind of performance has become the norm for the crafty veteran. Over his last fifteen starts going back to the 2022 season, Wainwright has struggled mightily. He has posted 75.1 innings pitched and given up 57 earned runs, 117 hits with a 6.83 ERA. Obviously, these numbers just aren’t cutting it and Wainwright knows it. Undoubtedly, he is his own harshest critic. It’s clear when watching that it’s starting to get to him. The aggravation is clearly evident on the mound and in interviews. It’s sad to say, but it may be time for him to head to the bullpen.
Cardinals’ Starting Pitching Struggles in Game Two
Young lefty Matthew Liberatore started game two and it seemed like it was going to be more of the same. He was yanked after only 2.1 innings, leaving the game with the Cardinals looking at a four run deficit. However, it wasn’t all on Liberatore as some poor defense contributed to scoring. Fortunately for the Cardinals, Jake Woodford entered the game and held the Cubs scoreless. Thus enabling the Cardinals to make a comeback and salvage a series split.
Cardinals’ Pitching Stumbles Consistently
This season has been one to forget so far for Cardinal fans. Furthermore, the Cardinals’ pitching struggles are mostly to blame. The offense has struggled at times but the consistent theme throughout the season has been poor starting pitching. If they want to turn things around it’s blatantly obvious what needs to happen. Improving the starting rotation should be the number one priority of the front office.
Cardinals Starting Pitching Statistics 2023
St. Louis Cardinals MLB SP Ranks:
Innings: 408.1 (14)
QS: 20 (T24)
ERA: 4.89 (25)
WHIP: 1.52 (27)
BAA: .294 (29)
Hits Allowed: 481 (1)
ER Allowed: 222 (5)
HR Allowed: 49 (24)
Hit Batters: 24 (T3)
BB: 140 (14)
K: 329 (T25)
Pitches per IP: 17.40 (26)
SO/9: 7.25 (28)
