St. Louis Cardinals: Flaherty leads charge as Birds avoid sweep

In a game that was starved for offense until late, there were many aspects for the St. Louis Cardinals that shaped the complexion of game 3 against the Chicago Cubs.

The bad, the good, & my takeaway from a relief that was a St. Louis Cardinals Winner on Sunday night:

The Bad:

For the Cardinals specifically, the only truthfully “bad” scenario or example, was the overall number of Cub base runners that were ultimately allowed to reach. For Jack Flaherty it was overall a solid start. Though there were multiple situations in which Chicago had the opportunity to build a sizable lead.

Although the Cubs were unable to capitalize, it appeared it may be yet another showing of the “same ole’ routine” in recent games. With Carlos Martinez’s start on Saturday, he walked five total batters. Runners galore that ultimately, led to an outpouring of Chicago runs in the series.

**All in all, a solid performance all around by the St. Louis Cardinals, made it difficult to genuinely pinpoint the “bad” from Sunday nights game.

The Good:

Although the Cardinal offense as a whole was not able to push across a “sizable” amount of runs, there were multiple factors that impressed me. It was truly difficult to chose just one subject, so I have picked multiple.

Harrison Bader:

From the start of the game (when the lineup for the Cardinals was announced), there was a buzz & significantly positive anticipation about having Harrison in the game.

Throughout the game, Harrison Bader showcased yet again his elite speed. Putting pressure on any pitching staff, it was great to see the grit & hustle carry over into Sunday’s game. We can’t forget either, the showcase & showing of his “cannon” early in the game.

Thrown out attempting to advance on a double in the seventh, still does not change the fact that his presence is a special force.

Jack Flaherty:

Showing signs of potential & reliability by the Cardinals rookie in his previous starts, the conclusions of the game were not extremely suitable. However on Sunday, Jack showcased his ability to miss bats, & get out of multiple tough jams.

The ice in his veins, & the composure on Sunday, stood out for me. Although Flaherty was unable to go further & eat more than five innings, it was a great start regardless.

Austin Gomber:

When Cardinals reliever Austin Gomber came into the game to pitch the seventh, he made quick work of the Chicago Cubs. Displaying a well-spotted fastball & a somewhat sharp curve ball, the potential was on display.

Quite obviously considering how many times Gomber has already appeared in games this season, he is a man out of the pen who can be trusted no doubt. It was great to see Austin come in & fire a shut down inning.

My overall, ultimate takeaway from the St. Louis Cardinals 5-0 Father’s Day shutout win, was an obvious takeaway.

After the Cardinals dropped the first two games in the series against the rival Cubs, a sloppy style of St. Louis play surfaced. With Jack Flaherty taking the mound in the final game of the set, it was nearly required that the Red Birds take at least one game.

Getting swept at Busch Stadium was one of the last pills that the team wanted to be forced to swallow. Nearly a complete turnaround from the first two games, the Cardinals played very well all around.

Good defense, good starting pitching, good bullpen performances, & a good offense highlighted the much-needed win.

Next: A Father's Day Interview With Dejong's Dad

Moving forward for St. Louis, it is very important that the composure is retained & the momentum sustained. The St. Louis Cardinals will begin a three-game set Monday on the road, against the Philadelphia Phillies.