Opinion
3 min read

Cardinals Take Flight Against Guardians at Progressive Field

First Inning


As the St. Louis Cardinals prepare to face off against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field, fans are buzzing with anticipation. The Cards have shown a mixed bag of performances in recent games, but their resilience and strategic play could be key in this upcoming matchup. With a scheduled start time of 7:10 PM EDT on June 27th, all eyes will be on how the Redbirds handle the early innings.


Sep 22, 2024; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Gavin Williams (32) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

In recent outings, STL's pitching staff has demonstrated both strengths and weaknesses. In their game against the Cincinnati Reds on June 22nd, they managed to keep hits to a minimum with an opponent batting average of .194. However, they allowed four runs due to some timely hitting by CIN. This suggests that while their pitchers can control hits effectively, they need to focus more on preventing runs from scoring.


Middle Innings


The middle innings will likely be crucial for STL as they aim to capitalize on any opportunities presented by CLE's pitching staff. During their game against CIN on June 21st, STL showcased their ability to rally late in games with a five-run seventh inning that turned the tide in their favor. This kind of explosive potential is something that could serve them well if they're trailing or locked in a tight contest during these middle frames.


Sep 22, 2024; St. Louis, Missouri, USA;  St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Lars Nootbaar (21) scores on a wild pitch by Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Andrew Walters (63) during the seventh inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Offensively, STL has been somewhat inconsistent but showed flashes of brilliance with nine hits and six runs scored during extra innings play against CIN on June 21st. Their ability to get runners across home plate will be vital as they face CLE's defense which has been known for its tactical prowess.


Final Innings


As we approach the final innings of this anticipated clash at Progressive Field, it’s important for STL not only to maintain any lead but also ensure defensive solidity under pressure from CLE’s batters who are known for making late-game comebacks themselves.


Sep 22, 2024; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Ryan Helsley (56) celebrates with catcher Pedro Pages (43) after the Cardinals defeated the Cleveland Guardians at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

STL's bullpen performance will come under scrutiny here; they've had moments where they've held firm like allowing just one earned run over three innings against CIN back on June 20th – showcasing depth beyond starters which might prove decisive when closing out games tightly contested till end stages.


Overall prediction leans towards an intense battle where every pitch counts given both teams' capabilities shown recently: expect fireworks especially if either side senses vulnerability within opposition ranks during critical junctures throughout match duration!


Fans can catch all action live via Apple TV+ broadcast network ensuring no moment goes unnoticed whether watching from home or cheering alongside fellow supporters inside stadium itself come game day evening!


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