The St. Louis Cardinals are currently in the National League wild-card chase, and to stay competitive in the race, they will need key contributions from veterans Willson Contreras and Nolan Arenado. In a recent game against the Tampa Bay Rays, both players stepped up to help secure a crucial win for the Cardinals.
Contreras had been in a bit of a slump, going nine games without driving in a run. However, he broke out of that slump with an RBI single in the game against the Rays. Manager Oliver Marmol praised Contreras for his energy and positive attitude on the field, noting that his swings looked really good.
Arenado also made a significant impact in the game, hitting a two-run double to help secure the victory for the Cardinals. Marmol highlighted the importance of Arenado’s performance and expressed hope that it would spark more success for the team.
Arenado has been performing well in August, with a .333 batting average, three doubles, and five RBIs. His consistent production will be crucial for the Cardinals as they push for a playoff spot.
Looking ahead, the Cardinals will send Kyle Gibson to the mound in their upcoming game. Gibson has a 7-4 record with a 4.04 ERA and is coming off a strong performance in his last start. He will face off against Shane Baz, who has been pitching well for the Rays despite the team’s recent struggles.
The Rays will be looking to get their offense back on track after struggling to score runs in their recent games. They made a roster move by activating pitcher Drew Rasmussen from the injured list, adding depth to their bullpen.
Overall, the upcoming matchup between the Cardinals and Rays promises to be an exciting one, with both teams looking to secure a crucial win. As the playoff race heats up, every game becomes increasingly important, and both teams will be eager to come out on top.