Cardinals Wing Their Way to Los Angeles, Set for Skirmish with Dodgers
As the Cardinals prepare to take flight against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, fans are bracing for an electrifying encounter. The previous season's analytics reveal a Cardinals team that had a solid presence at the plate, boasting 209 home runs and driving in 697 runs. With a batting average of .250 and an on-base plus slugging (OPS) of .742, they showed consistency in their hitting performance.
The Cardinals demonstrated discipline with a walk-to-strikeout ratio (BB/K) of 0.43 and were particularly adept in clutch situations, securing 321 hits from 1301 at-bats with runners in scoring position (RISP). This ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities will be crucial as they face off against the formidable Dodgers.
On the mound, last season's earned run average (ERA) stood at just under five runs per game. While this figure may seem high, it is complemented by a respectable strikeouts-per-nine-innings rate (K/9) of approximately eight and a strikeout-to-walk ratio (K/BB) over two. The pitching staff will need to leverage these strengths while improving their WHIP which was above one and four-tenths last season.
Defensively, the Cardinals displayed proficiency with a fielding percentage close to ninety-nine percent and turned 153 double plays. However, they'll have to reduce errors after recording sixty-seven last season if they want to maintain defensive integrity against Los Angeles' hitters.
Dodger Stadium is known for its pitcher-friendly dimensions which could play into the hands of both teams' hurlers but also challenge hitters looking to go deep. As such, this game promises not only strategic pitching duels but also moments where batters will be tested on making contact rather than swinging for the fences.
Fans can catch all the action live on BSMW as STL takes on LAD in Los Angeles on March 28th at 1:10 PM PT – an early-season matchup that could set the tone for both teams moving forward into another thrilling baseball campaign.