The St Louis Cardinals did not look great against the NL ..."/> The St Louis Cardinals did not look great against the NL ..."/>

Good, Bad and Ugly: Cardinals avoid getting swept by Brewers

Jack Flaherty (22) pitches during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Jack Flaherty (22) pitches during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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ST LOUIS, MO – AUGUST 17: Kolten Wong #16 of the Milwaukee Brewers tags out Lars Nootbaar #68 of the St. Louis Cardinals in the seventh inning at Busch Stadium on August 17, 2021 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jeff Curry/Getty Images)
ST LOUIS, MO – AUGUST 17: Kolten Wong #16 of the Milwaukee Brewers tags out Lars Nootbaar #68 of the St. Louis Cardinals in the seventh inning at Busch Stadium on August 17, 2021 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jeff Curry/Getty Images) /

The Ugly

The missed opportunities was the ugliest thing about this series. They could have gained ground in the Central and most importantly the NL Wild Card. And then the inability to get timely hits in certain situation.  It was ugly, indeed.

On Tuesday, the team was zero for five with runners in scoring position and left seven on base. This is terrible to see when the team was shut out. So many opportunities. Even worse when you realize the Brewers only scored two runs. The Cardinals really missed out on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, they were four for 10 with runners in scoring position. They left 11 on base. That game was a heartbreaker and was blown toward the later innings. Had the Cardinals capitalized on those LOB or RISP, things could have been substantially different.

On Thursday, even with the win, they were three for 11 with runners in scoring position and left seven on base. Just happy to get the win in this case.

In conclusion, it would have been great to get a sweep against the Brewers but considering what happened, it was great to get a good win on Thursday.

The Cardinals are now 62-58. They are 11 back of the Brewers in the NL Central. They are 2.5 back of the Cincinnati Reds. The Cardinals are 3.5 back in the Wild Card standings.

Miles Mikolas returns to the mound on Friday as the Cardinals begin a three game set against the Pittsburgh Pirates at home. Should be exciting and hopefully the Cardinals can gain some more ground.