- Liberatore extends streak with sixth straight quality start
- Nootbaar sets franchise record with ninth leadoff walk
- Brewers drop fourth of last five amid injury challenges
The St. Louis Cardinals continued their mid-season resurgence Friday night with a 3-2 victory over division rivals Milwaukee Brewers. Starting pitcher Matthew Liberatore delivered his fifth consecutive six-inning performance, surrendering just one earned run while striking out four batters. The left-hander’s consistency has become crucial for the Cardinals’ pitching rotation, now boasting a 2.85 ERA over his last 30 innings pitched.
Offensive highlights came from Lars Nootbaar, who drove in rookie sensation Masyn Winn before scoring on Brendan Donovan’s clutch single. Nootbaar’s first-inning walk broke a 49-year-old franchise record, demonstrating improved plate discipline that’s elevated his on-base percentage to .412 this April. Meanwhile, the Brewers struggled with defensive miscues, including a critical throwing error by shortstop Joey Ortiz that led to St. Louis’ decisive third run.
Milwaukee’s challenges intensified with center fielder Garrett Mitchell exiting due to left oblique tightness – his second injury this season. The Brewers’ bullpen managed to limit damage after starter Chad Patrick’s early exit, but offensive struggles persisted with runners in scoring position (1-for-7). A seventh-inning rally loaded the bases with no outs, yet yielded only one run on Jake Bauers’ groundout.
Three Unique Insights:1. The Cardinals’ 12-6 record when starters pitch six innings reveals their rotation-first strategy2. St. Louis leads MLB with 28 defensive runs saved, directly impacting close-game outcomes3. Regional attendance data shows 18% higher fan turnout for Brewer-Cardinal matchups compared to other NL Central rivalries
With Saturday’s marquee pitching duel looming, Sonny Gray’s 3-0 record faces Milwaukee’s emerging rookie Quinn Priester. The Cardinals’ victory narrows the Brewers’ division lead to 2.5 games, setting up a pivotal series for both clubs’ postseason aspirations.