Cardinals Sweep Reds: Riding a Five Game Win Streak

The St Louis Cardinals are looking like they are in Postseason form.

On Sunday afternoon, most Cardinals fans were pretty worried. The team had not been playing that great, and in the eighth inning against the rival Chicago Cubs, Yadier Molina went down with what would be diagnosed as a left thumb tear. With only a few games left, and the National League Central race getting narrower and narrower, fans were legitimately concerned.

The Cardinals have removed quite a bit of doubt five games later. They have won five games straight and look way better both offensively and pitching wise. The Cardinals have eight home runs in the five game stretch, and Cardinals pitching has only allowed ten runs in the last five games, averaging two per game.

More from St. Louis Cardinals

This could not have come at a better time for the Redbirds. The Pittsburgh Pirates are four games down right now and are riding a six game winning streak. If not for the Cardinals great play over the last week, the Pirates would likely be within a game. Chicago looks like they will also make the postseason, as they still have the lead over the Giants for the final wildcard spot.

The Cardinals are thriving with help from their rookies. It is quite incredible when you think about how much help they have had from rookie call-ups who just never really left. Stephen Piscotty, Randal Grichuk, and Tommy Pham have not only come on strong the last few games, but also the entire season. Grichuk continues to impress with his power, and Piscotty shows wonderful clutch and batting average. They are getting help from the veterans as well, with Matt Carpenter homering twice in the game two days ago, and Jhonny Peralta homering yesterday. Heyward also has been hitting hot, with the best average on the team.

With Yadier Molina possibly being out for an extended period of time, it’s so important how well the Cardinals have played in his absence. What’s even better is the fact that it isn’t just pitching or hitting, it’s both. The Cardinals are making plays where they need to, driving runs home late in games and using their much improved bullpen. (It also helps that starters are going late into games)

The Cardinals are not out of the woods yet however, they still have a series to finish against the Brewers and with the way the Pirates are playing, still are at risk of losing first place in the division.

Next: Yadier Molina Diagnosed with Thumb Tear

More from Arch Authority

Home/St. Louis Cardinals