Cardinals: Biggest X-Factors for Game 2 against the Phillies

11 years ago, Albert Pujols was the superstar leader of the underdog Cardinals that found a way to knock out the heavily favorited Phillies in their last playoff appearance. In 2022, the Redbirds will need Pujols to continue his farewell tour resurgence to keep their season, and his career, alive for another day.

After struggling for most of the first half of 2022, Pujols turned back the clock one more time, slashing .323/.388/.715 with 18 HR and 48 RBI for St. Louis, being one of the main catalysts for winning the National League Central. Pujols has gone from a platoon option against left-handers to a core bat in their lineup once again, and they’ll need that magic from the slugger once again.

In that same article from Remis, he found that the Cardinals were 17-2 in games where Pujols homered, and 47-41 in games where the Hall of Famer played but did not hit a home run. That’s an 89% winnings percentage when Pujols homers, and just goes to show how vital he has become for St. Louis.

The 42-year old has feel for big moments like few others in baseball history have had. If there is anyone that can be turned to in a situation like this, it’s Albert Pujols. Let’s hope for a big blast from the legend in Game 2, and for his farewell tour to continue a bit longer.

Follow me on Twitter for more Cardinals content, @joshjaco2