Bullpen shut the door
Wainwright exited the game after 5 innings of work, meaning the bullpen needed to piece together four more innings to complete the win over the second-place Brewers. The bullpen not only held the lead, but did so masterfully.
Andre Pallante, Jordan Hicks, Giovanni Gallegos, and Ryan Helsley all pitched one innings a piece, and only allowed a single hit to the Brewers the rest of the game. Pallante and Hicks both walked batters, but were able to get out of the runners on situation with no problems.
The biggest thing may be how the bullpen was getting outs. Hicks, Gallegos, and Helsley all struck out two batters, showing the ability to create swings and misses, something that is much needed when facing the elite teams come October. The Brewers offense is far from elite, but given the stakes of this game, it was huge to see the bullpen go to work like they did.
How St. Louis played on September 14th was what a legitimate contender looks like. If the Cardinals build upon this win, expectations should be high entering the postseason.