5 players the Cardinals should have trusted more against the Phillies

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 22: Manager Oliver Marmol #37 of the St. Louis Cardinals looks on during batting practice prior to the game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on August 22, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 22: Manager Oliver Marmol #37 of the St. Louis Cardinals looks on during batting practice prior to the game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on August 22, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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Jack Flaherty, St. Louis Cardinals (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Jack Flaherty, St. Louis Cardinals (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

Cardinals’ Jack Flaherty should have been brought in relief over Pallante

Andre Pallante was an incredible asset to the Cardinals throughout the 2022 summer. Given opportunities to start, relieve and even close, he was good and effective as an innings eating asset who could throw strikes.

It’s understandable why Marmol decided to bring in Pallante in relief of Helsley. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the right decision this time. Pallante was put in a bad situation and couldn’t get those final two outs before plating give runs.

Jack Flaherty has been seen as one of the Cardinals best pitchers, a sure fire ace and a guy to be depended on in tough situations.

Situations like what Pallante was put in.

It would have been fun to see Flaherty get the opportunity to be lights out in the situation. It could have been something to generate momentum for the bottom of the ninth. It would have built momentum going into Game 2 and more.

Instead we’re left with plenty of what-ifs.

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