Cardinals Clip Phillies 3-2, Win Ninth Straight

The St. Louis Cardinals (23-19) pushed their winning streak to nine games on Monday night with a 3-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies (24-17), fueled by solo home runs in back-to-back innings from Iván Herrera and Masyn Winn. With the win it marks the Cardinals’ first nine-game win streak since 2021 and just their second since 2004.

Starting Pitchers

Matthew Liberatore (STL): 5.1 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 4 K, 1 BB

Christopher Sánchez (PHI): 6 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 8 K, 3 BB

Scoring Summary

4th Inning 

Nolan Arenado drew a walk, advanced to second on Willson Contreras’ flyout, then moved to third on a wild pitch after Iván Herrera walked. Pedro Pagés grounded into a fielder’s choice, scoring Arenado to give St. Louis a 1-0 lead. 

The Phillies answered as J.T. Realmuto doubled and later scored on Edmundo Sosa’s infield single to third.

6th Inning 

Herrera put the Cardinals back in front with a solo shot to center—his first since returning to the lineup. 

Philadelphia tied it 2-2 shortly after, as Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos singled, and Realmuto drove in Schwarber on a fielder’s choice.

Willson Contreras made a diving stop on Max Kepler’s grounder to first to preserve the tie.

7th Inning 

Masyn Winn provided the game-winner with a solo home run to left-center, putting the Cardinals up 3-2.

Bullpen Locks It Down

Kyle Leahy pitched a scoreless seventh, striking out two. He got two quick outs in the eighth before allowing back-to-back singles. JoJo Romero took over and ended the threat with a flyout.

Ryan Helsley closed the door in the ninth for his eighth save, retiring the side in order, striking out two. Jordan Walker sealed it with a beautiful grab on Trea Turner’s liner in right.

Stats and Notes

Lars Nootbaar had two of the Cardinals’ five hits, though he was left stranded both times.

St. Louis has now won six straight one-run games after dropping their first five of the season.

Willson Contreras has reached base in 24 consecutive games.

It marked the franchise’s 29th nine-game winning streak and the longest active run in Major League Baseball this season, surpassing the Dodgers’ eight-game streak earlier in the year.

Betting Recap

Cardinals ML (+145) hit again and the total stayed UNDER 8 (-112). Eric Sontag hit the first five under for the second straight night.

Standings

St. Louis remains in second place in the NL Central, one game behind the Cubs, who beat the Marlins Monday.

On Deck

The series continues Tuesday at 5:45 p.m. CT. Cardinals ace Sonny Gray takes the mound against Phillies left-hander Jesús Luzardo.

Cards Hub Postgame: St. Louis Cardinals Defeat Phillies for 9th Straight Win

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