St. Louis Cardinals: Four unknown stats that lead directly to wins

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Albert Pujols #5 of the St. Louis Cardinals reacts as he rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the ninth inning during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on September 11, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The home run was the 697th of Pujols career, moving him to 4th place all time in MLB home runs. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

STAT NUMBER ONE: Not just 700

Although we are all aware of how impressive Albert Pujols’s season has been on an individual level, take a look at number five’s impact in the win-loss column:

Albert Pujols has hit a home run in 19 games this season, and appeared in 107. In those games, the St. Louis Cardinals are:

17-2 when Albert homers

47-41 when Albert plays and does not hit a home run

Just like the days of old– the Cardinals win when Albert hits a longball. And when Albert hits two home runs, the Cardinals are 4-0. Even more impressive, however, is how Albert’s resurgence has coincided with the Cardinals taking control of the NL Central.

Since the All-Star Break, the Cardinals are 36-18. In that time period, Albert has hit 19 of his home runs. Excluding Sunday’s loss against the Pirates, and taking note of three multi-home run games, that totals thirteen games in the second half of the season won by St. Louis where Albert hits a home run.

The Cardinals were a half a game behind the Brewers at that time, and now sit eight games up– thanks number five!

Moving forward, how does this impact the Cardinals in the playoffs? Well, four of Albert’s home runs have come against St. Louis’ potential opponents, the Phillies and the Brewers.

The interesting note is how Albert’s numbers change depending on where he hits in the batting order. Most of Albert’s at-bats have come from the 5th or 6th spot. Of note, however, is how well Albert has hit from the top of the order.

Batting first, second, or third this season, Pujols is 11-30 with seven home runs, 19 RBI, and only five strikeouts. Most of those appearances have come when Albert is used as a pinch hitter, so clearly there is an advantage to saving Pujols for the right spot. But now that Albert has raised his OPS+ to 107 against right handed pitchers, there’s no longer a reason to platoon him, either.

The numbers may be a bit confusing on how best to use Albert. But one thing is clear: no matter how he gets into the game, if Pujols goes yard, there’s a good chance the Cardinals will win.

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