ST. LOUIS CARINALS NOTES:
RECENT REDBIRDS: The St. Louis Cardinals and Arizona Diamondbacks play the penultimate game of their season series with the second game of a three-game set tonight at Chase Field … The Redbirds are 2-3 in their seven-game road trip through Chicago (1-3) and Arizona (1-0) … St. Louis kicks off a season-long 10-game homestand on Thursday against the Chicago Cubs (July 27-30), Minnesota Twins (Aug. 1-3), and Colorado Rockies (Aug. 4-6).
FLIGHT PATTERN: St. Louis enters today in 4th place in the NL Central, 11.0 games behind 1st place Milwaukee and 9.0 games in the NL Wild Card race … The Cardinals have climbed out of the divisional basement for the first time since May 28 when they were last all alone in 5th place … St. Louis has spent 80 of 114 days in last place on this season’s MLB schedule (April 26-May 19 & May 29-July 7) … This season is the Cardinals slowest start since 1995 when they were 40-61 (.396) after 101 games … With 61 games remaining, the Cardinals need to go 36-25 (.590) the rest of the season to finish at .500.
CARDS & CUBS PLAY IN ARIZONA FOR 2024 SPRING: The Cardinals announced their 2024 Spring Training schedule today, a 32-game spring training slate set to begin on Feb, 24 against their stadium co-tenants, the Miami Marlins, at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium … The Cardinals will break camp on March 24 and then play the Chicago Cubs in a pair of Spring Training games (March 25-26) at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona before opening their 2024 regular season schedule on March 28 at the Los Angeles Dodgers.
IT’S WHACKING DAY: Since Arizona joined MLB as an expansion team in 1998, the Cardinals .618 win percentage (105-65) against the Diamondbacks is the their best against any opponent, the highest in MLB vs. the Snakes among National League and common interleague opponents, and the highest by any team against the last four expansion teams (Rockies, Marlins, Rays, Diamondbacks)
RAZING ARIZONA: St. Louis is 51-34 (.600) all-time at Chase Field, the best win pct. by any annual visitor and the club’s 3rd-best winning pct. in any road city behind Kansas City (.667, 44-22 since 1997) and Miami (.630, 68-40 since 1993).
DRAMA IN THE DESERT: The Cardinals scored a season-high 10 runs on the road in last night’s come-from-behind 10-6 win over Arizona, as the Cardinals sent nine to plate during a five-run 9th inning highlighted by Lars Nootbaar’s game-winning walk and Tyler O’Neill’s three-run double … The last time St. Louis was trailing in the 9th inning of a road game and scored 5+ runs to win was May 2, 2005 at Great American Ball Park as the Redbirds plated seven runs in the 9th to beat the Reds 10-9, fueled by a three-run homer by Jim Edmonds and a two-run round-tripper by John Mabry … The last time the Cardinals trailed on the road and scored 5+ runs in the 9th inning was July 3, 2019 at Seattle (5-2 win).
HOTTER THAN ARIZONA ASPHALT: All-Star Nolan Arenado has hit safely in 16 of 20 July games at a .351/.398/.688 (27-77) clip, including eight straight since July 17 .. This month, Arenado ranks among MLB leaders in hits (27, T-2nd), RBI (23, 2nd), total bases (53, 3rd), times on base (35, T7th), and OPS (1.086, 14th) … Last night was Arenado’s 31st career homer off Dbacks pitching 5th all-time behind Barry Bonds (39), Matt Kemp (36), Adrian Gonzalez (35), and Todd Helton (35).
GOLDENADO 74: Cornerstones Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado have homered in the same game 10 times as members of the Cardinals (St. Louis is 9-1), including twice this season: June 28 vs. Houston (win) and July 24 at Arizona (win).
NOOT NEWS: Lars Nootbaar last night became first Cardinal since Colby Rasmus (May 22, 2011 at Kansas City) to draw a bases-loaded go-ahead walk on the road in the 9th inning or later … In the month of July, Nootbaar has reached base safely in 19 of 21 games while sharing the MLB lead with Freddie Freeman in runs scored (20) & ranking tied for 3rd in walks (14).
MUST HAVE BEEN SOMETHING IN THAT TEA?: Willson Contreras has been on a tear since his final game in London in which he went 4-for-4 … Since June 25, Contreras leads MLB in OBP (.537) and BABIP (.571), ranks 2nd in batting average (.434, 23-53) and OPS (1.292), and 4th in slugging (.755).
CARDINALS “DEVIL” MAGIC: The Cardinals 930-672 (.581 win pct.) post All-Star break record since 2000 is 2nd in MLB only to the New York Yankees (952-665, .589) … The Cardinals best post All-Star mark this century was a 51-24 (.680) run in 2004 … St. Louis has sported a winning record after the All-Star break in 19 of 22 seasons since 2000, including a 43-25 record last season (.632).
TONIGHT’S STARTING PITCHER: LHP STEVEN MATZ (1-7, 4.67)
TONIGHT’S GAME
NL Ranks: Pitch Tempo-bases empty (12.0 sec/pitch, 10th)
- Making his fourth start since returning to the starting rotation. His 14th start of the season and 22nd appearance.
- Since returning to the rotation on July 9, leads the Cardinals and ranks T-6th in the National League with 19 strikeouts. Also boasts the 2nd-lowest opponent BA (.170) in MLB over that period (Baltimore’s Dean Kramer, .148)
- Last started/appeared at Chase Field on September 11, 2019, as a member of the Mets and made all five of his starts with them.
- Has not earned a win against an N.L. West club since joining the Cardinals (0-4, 8.38 ERA), but his last win vs. the N.L. West was against Arizona on Sept. 11, 2019, at Citi Field with the Mets.
- Earned a win in his last start, snapping a stretch of 24 straight appearances and 12 starts without earning a win. Last win came in relief on Sept. 17, 2022 vs. CIN and his last win as a starting pitcher was July 23, 2022 at CIN.
- Started the first 10 games of the season before being moved to the bullpen where he made eight straight relief appearances.
- Has made 159 starts in his career and 18 relief appearances, 13 of those in relief with the Cardinals.
- Posted his 5th career season with 20 or more appearances.
- Has a mark of 1-6 with a 5.12 ERA (65.0 IP) in 13 starts this season.
- Is 0-1 with a 2.81 ERA (16.0 IP) in eight relief appearances, allowing runs in only three of eight appearances. Has worked 2.0+ IP in relief in four outings, and threw 64 pitches in 3.1 IP of relief on 6/29 vs. HOU.
- Hurled the Cardinals season-high for innings pitched in relief (3.1) twice, garnering 10 scoreless outs, in London vs. CHI (6/24) and vs. HOU (6/29).
- Limiting opposing LH batters to a .210 BA (13-62) with three extra base hits (2 HR, double).
- Since joining the Cardinals in 2022, is 6-10 with a 4.88 ERA in 36 appearances (23 starts). The Cardinals lost his first six games started this year, before posting a 12-6 win vs. Detroit (5/7).
- Only win as a Cardinals starting pitcher at Busch Stadium came on May 2, 2022, a rescheduled game tossing 6.0 scoreless innings in a 1-0 win vs. Kansas City.
LAST TIME OUT
- Earned his first win of the season and first since September 17, 2022 vs. CIN; coming in relief. Last win as a Cardinals starting pitcher was July 23, 2022 at CIN.
- Held the Cubs to three hits, a single, double and triple…in that order in the game. Struck out six and walked one.
DATE vs. RESULT DEC IP H R ER BB SO HR NP-S
7/20 @CHI W 7-2 W-1 5.0 3 1 1 1 6 0 97-59
2023 SEASON
- Went a career-high nine appearances without allowing a home run covering 23.1 innings pitched (5/29-7/9), 2nd-longest in his career behind 27.0 IP (4/17-5/4/16 with NYM).
- Returned to the rotation on July 9 at CWS, after firing 8.2 scoreless innings over three relief appearance before allowing a run. Pitched one of his finest starts holding the White Sox to an unearned run over 5.1 innings with no walks and nine strikeouts in a no decision. Posted his highest game score to that date in the season (71) by 15 points.
- Became the 4th Cardinals pitcher to strike out nine or more batters this season. Tied his longest outing of the season without allowing a walk (5/7 vs. DET).
- Moved to the bullpen after his start at CIN (5/24) and went 0-1 with a 1.98 in the eight relief appearances working his way up to back-to-back appearances of 3.1 innings, the longest by a Cardinals reliever this season.
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS NOTES:
IN THE WEST: The D-backs entered the day tied for second in the NL West with the Giants, 4.0 games behind the Dodgers.
♦ Arizona has spent 66 days in/tied for first place in the division.
ROSTER MOVES: Today, the D-backs reinstated RHP Merrill Kelly from the 15-day injured list (right calf inflammation) and designated RHP José Ruiz for assignment.
MIGHTY MERRILL IS BACK: Merrill Kelly returns for his first start since June 24 @ Giants (L; 5 ER in 5.0 IP).
♦ Prior to his last start, Kelly was 8-0 in his previous 10 bids with a 2.69 ERA (19 ER in 63.2 IP) with 71 strikeouts, a 0.96 WHIP and .190 opponent average.
ROOKIE VALUE: The D-backs’ 10 rookies have turned in a 4.8 WAR is second in the Majors, behind the Reds (6.0) and ahead of the Athletics (3.2) and Red Sox (2.8).
THANK YOU, UNCLE CHARLIE: During pre-game ceremonies this evening, the D-backs will salute and recognize Cardinals’ veteran Adam Wainwright, who will retire following his 18th MLB season, with a $5,000 donation to his foundation, Big League Impact, to continue to spread goodwill and positively impact those in need.
VS. CARDINALS: The D-backs are 2-2 vs. Cardinals this season after going 2-1 @ St. Louis from April 17-19.
♦ In 2022, the D-backs split their first series (2-2) @ Cardinals and lost their 3-game home series (0-3).
2-3-4 OFFENSE PRODUCTION: The D-backs’ 2-3-4 hitters in the batting order ranks among the best in the NL: AVG (1st, .277), extra-base hits (1st, 149), hits (1st, 334), total bases (1st, 618), OBP (3rd, .348), SLG (3rd, .513), RBI (3rd, 208), home runs (3rd, 62) fewest strikeouts (3rd, 256) and stolen bases (T-3rd, 38).
WALK IS HOT: Christian Walker, since July 18, is hitting .346 (9-for-26)/1.293 OPS with 3 doubles, 3 homers, 6 RBI and 6 walks.
♦ Entering today, Walker ranks among NL leaders in doubles (2nd, 30), extra-base hits (4th, 51), RBI (8th, 64) and SLG (8th, .518).
KETEL IN A GROOVE: Ketel Marte, in his last 8 games, is hitting .382 (13-for-34)/1.226 OPS with 3 doubles, 2 triples, 2 home runs, 11 RBI and 5 walks.
♦ Ranks among NL hitters since the All-Star break in triples (T-1st, 2), extra-base hits (T-2nd, 8), doubles (T-3rd, 4), SLG (9th, .683) and OPS (10th, 1.108).
HOME SWEET HOME:Ketel Marte has hit safely in 11 of his last 14 home games, since June 12, at a .362 clip (17-for-47)/.976 OPS with 2 doubles, 2 home runs, 6 RBI and 7 walks.
♦ Jake McCarthy, in his last 16 home games, is hitting .302 (16-for-53)/.837 OPS with 2 doubles, 3 triples, 1 home run, 9 runs, 1 RBI, 2 walks and 6 stolen bases.
♦ Christian Walker, in his last 17 home games, is hitting .328 (20-for-61)/1.234 OPS with 8 doubles, 7 home runs, 9 runs, 16 RBI and 11 walks.
♦ Alek Thomas has multi-hit eff orts in his last 3 home games, since July 8, and is hitting .444 (8-for-18) in 7 home games in July.
DIAMOND DEFENDERS: The D-backs’ .990 fielding pct. is the best in the Majors while their 36 errors are the fewest, ahead of the Orioles (40) and Padres (40).
♦ The D-backs 22 team defensive runs saved are third in the NL, behind the Brewers (34) and Padres (26).
♦ Christian Walker’s 7 Outs Above Average (OAA) and 5 Runs Above Average (RAA) lead all MLB first basemen.
SHOW ‘EM WHAT YOU’RE MADE OF: 18 of the D-backs’ first 24 games post-All-Star Break are against opponents with a combined win percentage of .555 and 7 of the
8 opponents have a .500 record or better (Blue Jays, Braves, Reds, Mariners, Giants, Twins, Dodgers)…only losing record during this stretch (Cardinals, .446).
EXTRA! EXTRA! The D-backs have set a club record with 75 straight games with an extra-base hit (since April 28, 40-34 record), the Majors’ longest active streak
ahead of the Angels (73) and Dodgers (73).
STARTING PITHCER – RHP MERRILL KELLY ♦ #29
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Was reinstated from the 15-day injured list (right calf infl ammation) prior to today’s game…placed on the IL on June 27.
- The D-backs are 6-2 in his last 8 starts.
ALL-STAR WORTHY: Ranked among NL starters in wins (T-1st, 9), opponent average (5th, .210), IP (7th, 95.0) and ERA (9th, 3.22) prior to going on the IL.
LAST START: Took the loss on June 24 @ Giants (7 R-5 ER in 5.0 IP).
VS. CARDINALS: In 5 career starts (3 quality), is 3-1 with a 3.00 ERA (10 ER in 30.0 IP)… won his last start on April 17, 2023 @ Busch Stadium (1 ER in 6.0 IP).
VS. NL CENTRAL: In 25 career starts (13 quality) against NL Central teams, is 13-5 with a 3.38 ERA (56 ER in 149.0 IP).
- Has a three game winning streak against NL Central teams, all of which have come on the road…looking for his fi rst win against an NL Central opponent at home since Sept. 1, 2022 vs. Brewers (0 ER in 7.0 IP, 7 K).
PITCH TRACKING: Opposing batters are hitting .122 (11-for-90) with 28 strikeouts on his changeup, .159 (7-for-44) with 13 strikeouts on his cutter and .167 (3-for-18) with 7 strikeouts on his slider.
VS. LEFT AND RIGHT: Limiting lefties to a .193 average (34-for 176) with 50 strikeouts and righties to a .228 average (37 for-162) with 48 strikeouts.
LEAD OFF SUCCESS: When leading off an inning, holding batters to a .228 average (21-for-92) with 26 strikeouts.
KEEP ‘EM CHASING : His 33.3 out-of-zone swing percentage is a career-high.
0-2 GOT YOU: Opponents are 8-for-44 (.182) with 24 strikeouts on an 0-2 count and are batting .155 (30-for-193) with 2 strikes.
RISP-Y BUSINESS : Holding runners in scoring position to a .179 average (10-for-56) with
14 strikeouts.
THE STOPPER : Is 2-1 with a 3.71 ERA (14 ER in 34.0 IP) in 6 games following a D-backs loss.
