5 good things from Cardinals win over Tigers

Paul Goldschmidt
Paul Goldschmidt / Joe Puetz/GettyImages
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The Cardinals were able to get a win and avoid being swept by the Tigers. Could the success be a sign of better things to come for the Cardinals?

It was a typical game of late for the Cardinals. They get off to a good start and something happens, throwing them off track and blowing it. But this time, the Cardinals were able to battle back for a 12-6 victory over the Tigers.

It was great to see after an eight-game losing streak that included some of the worst losses you could imagine. As the Cardinals headed back out for a road trip to play the Cubs and Red Sox, it was the right way to finish off one of the worst homestands in Cardinals' history.

It may be wishful thinking after the horrible start to the season the team has had, combined with action and messaging from within the organization that feels beyond what this fan base is used to hearing. For example, Willson Contreras will not be going to an already full outfield, as previously reported. Instead, he will become the team's designated hitter while adjusting to follow the preparation level established by legendary Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina. It seems like something should have been addressed sooner. Still, the fact that pitchers have been saying they are having issues executing their pitchers, even with Andrew Knizner behind the plate, isn't something the organization should put on Contreras.

The team has an analyst turned Pitching Coach in Dusty Blake, who should be assisting with helping pitchers execute pitches and instill confidence in Contreras to not second guess situations. Contreras, a previous All-Star catcher, should feel confident in doing his job without having to adapt to either the Cardinal Way or the way Molina used to do things.

Let's discuss the five best things to happen in this game that will hopefully serve as a boost for good things to come for the team.

5. Drew VerHagen and Ryan Helsley hold things down

After an eventful sixth inning in which the Cardinals lost and regained the lead, the Cardinals got three shutdown innings of work from VerHagen and Helsley. Jojo Romero earned a blown save after giving up a grand slam to Jake Rogers.

Once the Cardinals regained the lead in their half of the innings, VerHagen earned his second win after pitching a clean seventh and eighth inning. He threw three strikeouts. Helsley then pitched a clean ninth inning, striking out one.

It was great to finally see some success for these two pitchers.

4. Paul Goldschmidt has three home runs

Goldschmidt had a much-needed, amazing afternoon for the Cardinals.

In the first inning, Goldschmidt knocked a home run to center field that traveled 433 feet at 107.9 mph. In the third inning, he hit another homer to center field, this time, it traveled 407 feet at 103.6 mph.

Goldschmidt capped off a great comeback from the Cardinals with a home to Big Mac Land in the eighth inning, scoring Andrew Knizner. The homer traveled 417 feet at 104.1 mph. Goldschmidt has seven home runs for the season and 20 RBI. It's great to see him heating up for the Cardinals. Better late than never!

3. Steven Matz has good start

Matz was able to make it through 5.1 innings of work on Sunday. He gave up five hits and one home run to Spencer Torkelson. However, things took a wrong turn when James Naile replaced Matz in the sixth inning.

Naile gave up a single to Miguel Cabrera, allowing Torkelson to score. Jojo Romero came into the game to relieve Naile. Romero, however, didn't provide much relief before he was removed. Romero gave up a grand slam to Jake Rogers, allowing Eric Haase, Cabrera, and Zack McKinstry to score. The home run allowed the Tigers to go up 6-3.

This has been a bad thing for the Cardinals as they have struggled mightly this month.

2. Thank you, Brendan Donovan

Nolan Arenado kicked started the Cardinals' comeback in the sixth inning. He reached base thanks to a fielding error by Javier Baez, which allowed Goldschmidt to score from third. Willson Contreras struck out, giving the Cardinals one out in the inning.

Brendan Donovan then launched a fly ball home run to right field, scoring Arenado and Nolan Gorman to bring the score up to 7-6, restoring the Cardinals lead—Donovan's homer traveled 407 feet at 103.9 mph. Andrew Knizner then hit a double on a fly to right, scoring Dylan Carlson.

Lars Nootbaar then singled on a grounder to right field, scoring Tommy Edman and Knizner to bring the score to 10-6.

1. The Cardinals did not give up

After getting the score to 10-6, the Cardinals pitchers were able to hold down the lead for the team. This is something the relief staff hasn't been great at this season. This was incredibly refreshing to see from the Cardinals pitchers.

After an eight-game losing streak in which the team almost appeared to create new and crazy ways to win their games.

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The resounding win on Sunday afternoon was remarkable to see from the Cardinals. Hopefully, the win leads to more wins for the team. The Cardinals losing streak has been painful to watch. Their win over the Tigers Sunday feels like a break to a terrible line of losses. With the Cubs and Red Sox up next on the schedule, these are games the Cardinals will want to win to get that losing streak far off in the rearview mirror.

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