St. Louis Cardinals: John Gant’s historic good game

The St. Louis Cardinals won their 10,000th game since joining the National League behind the arm of John Gant.

This comes off the heels of several Dakota Hudson rumors that I was in support of. John Gant spun a gem last night, seven innings, one hit, and four strikeouts. His ability to do perform at that level was almost buried behind the potential excitement of seeing a top pitching prospect debut with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Gant was making his fourth start this season, and the first where he gave up less than four runs. That brings his season ERA down to 3.48 in 33.2 innings. Effectively, John Gant showed Cardinal Nation why the organization made the right call choosing him.

The Making Of History

Accumulating 10,000 wins is not joke, and Gant is the pitcher that finished it off. But the pitcher in the win column did not start his career with the St. Louis Cardinals. He was drafted out of high school originally by the New York Mets in the 21st round back in 2011. In 2015, he was sent to Atlanta.

Gant found his way to St. Louis in December of 2016. He was half of the return for Jaime Garcia. At the time of the trade, the righty slid into the top prospect list at number 26.

John Gant

Fast forward to yesterday, and his gem makes things look pretty good. It is just one game, but it is looking like Gant could have a future. In his four starts this year, his ERA is above four. However, in 11 innings across five relief appearances, his ERA is in the low two’s.

During his time on the prospect list, he was described as a low ceiling, high floor kind of pitcher. Although that ceiling is a back end starter. With the potential of starters grooming in the system, so close to the surface, Gant could be a valuable bullpen asset.

But, one game could ignite a lot more. Players can surpass their ceiling.

The Dakota Hudson Factor

I am a chronicled Dakota Hudson supporter, and I think this was him time to start. There is not one second I will not stand by that. That being said, it cannot be denied that Gant rose to the occasion, and that is something to be celebrated. Good play is good play, regardless of who it comes from.

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Gant threw seven innings, and gave up one hit. It was a wonderful performance, and Cardinal Nation has something to celebrate.