9 studs from the Cardinals' series win over the Nationals
Cardinals stars finally shine in weekend series
The St. Louis Cardinals look renewed after the All-Star break as they take two of three from the Washington Nationals.
Due to inclement weather, the Friday evening game was delayed to Saturday afternoon. The Cardinals lost the afternoon game 7-5 to the Nationals. The Cardinals won Saturday evening 9-6 and Sunday afternoon 8-4.
The Cardinals finally had a positive series and seemed to play to their capability. It's a good thing, given statements from John Mozeliak, Cardinal's President of Baseball Operations, that he is looking to trade players to better the team for 2024. Seeing the urgency the team should have had all season is excellent.
It's not a certainty who will be moved, but the team turning it around is a good thing for the morale of this team moving forward. If the team can play spoiler to contenders this season, the team can make some fun memories.
Several players had a very good series this weekend for the Cardinals. Let's discuss.
Nolan Gorman
Gorman had a resurgence of power this series that was great to see.
Gorman doubled on a fly to center field in the fifth inning of Saturday evening's game, scoring Jordan Walker and Alec Burleson. Moments later, Gorman scored on a single from Paul DeJong.
On Sunday, Gorman knocked his 18th home run of the season on a fly to right center field. The massive blast traveled 423 feet at 107.3 mph.
In the sixth inning, Gorman singled to first base, allowing Jordan Walker to score.
Jordan Walker
Walker had the most stunning catch in right field Saturday.
That is a 10 out of 10 play, indeed. He seemed as shocked as the fans by the catch too.
Lars Nootbaar
Lars Nootbaar hit his sixth home run of the season Friday evening before the skies opened up to a wicked storm that caused a delay to the game until Saturday afternoon.
Nootbaar's homer traveled 404 feet to left center field at 102.4 mph. Great opposite field contact.
In the fourth inning of Sunday's game, Nootbaar singled to center field, scoring Andrew Knizner.
Alec Burleson
Alec Burleson had an amazing game Saturday at the plate and with the glove in left field.
Burleson knocked his sixth home run of the season on a fly to center field, traveling 427 feet at 106.6 mph.
Burleson also had a stunning catch to save some runs
Brendan Donovan
Donovan had a great weekend as designated hitter for the Cardinals.
With two runners on and a. 3-2 count with one out, Donovan knocked his tenth home run of the season Saturday afternoon. Paul DeJong and Dylan Carlson scored on the play. Donovan's homer traveled 391 feet at 99.9 mph.
Saturday evening, Donovan tripled in the second inning on a line drive to right field, scoring Nolan Gorman and Ivan Herrera. Donovan scored moments later on a single off the bat of Paul Goldschmidt.
Donovan singled in the fourth inning of Sunday's game to left field, allowing DeJong to score.
Nolan Arenado
Nolan Arenado hit his team-leading 20th home run of the season Saturday evening in the eighth inning. Arenado's blast to left field traveled 377 feet at 105.8 mph β just another beautiful shot from the Cardinals All-Star.
Paul Goldschmidt
Goldschmidt hit a massive home run in the sixth inning. Goldschmidt knocked the home run to the top of Freese's Landing in center field, 443 feet at 109.2 mph. Brendan Donovan scored on the homer.
Goldschmidt's home run was his 16th of the season.
Jack Flaherty
Jack Flaherty continues to look great in his effort to improve himself as a starter for the Cardinals.
On Sunday, he pitched six innings moving to 7-5 on the season. He gave up three hits, three runs, and three walks during the outing. He did strike out seven batters.
Dakota Hudson
Who had Dakota Hudson getting his first win of the season for the Cardinals in mid-July on their 2023 bingo card? Hudson did just that Saturday evening, pitching 3.1 innings, giving up four hits, and striking out two batters. He gave up zero runs.
Hudson pitched in relief of Steven Matz who pitched 4.1 innings, giving up three walks and four runs. He did strike out four batters. Genesis Cabrera pitched the final 1.1 innings, giving up three hits and two runs. He did strike out three batters.