Christine: A six-run ninth inning. A dropped fly ball. A walk-off win that felt like a playoff game in August. The Cardinals just pulled off one of the wildest wins of the season, and now they're heading to Philadelphia to face a red-hot Phillies team. This is Beatline, and you're not gonna want to miss a second of what we've got for you today.
Jason: Christine, that game in Cincinnati was absolutely bonkers. Dane Myers drops a routine fly with two outs in the ninth, and suddenly the floodgates open. Six runs later, the Cardinals walk out of Great American Ball Park with a 10-9 victory. That's the kind of win that can jumpstart a stretch run.
Christine: That's exactly what we're digging into today. I'm Christine, and as always, I'm joined by the sharpest baseball mind in the building, Jason. Welcome back to Beatline, Cardinals Nation!
Jason: Happy to be here. We've got a big one tonight: the Cardinals take on the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park, and we're breaking down everything you need to know before first pitch.
Christine: Here's what's on tap: first, we're looking at the series and the pitching matchups. Then we're diving into the key hitters and bullpen questions, plus the injury report. And we'll wrap with our keys to the series and a bold prediction.
Christine: Let's get into it. Jason, the Cardinals are 66-63, sitting third in the NL Central. They just took a wild one from the Reds, but now they're facing a Phillies team that's 70-58 and owns a four-game home winning streak. What's the vibe?
Jason: The vibe is cautiously optimistic. That win in Cincinnati was huge, but the Phillies are a different animal. They're second in the NL East for a reason. Their lineup is deep, and their ballpark is a bandbox when the weather's right.
Christine: And this is a four-game set, right? So the pitching matchups are going to be crucial. Do we know who's going for the Cardinals tonight?
Jason: We don't have the official probables yet, but based on the rotation, I'd expect Andre Pallante to get the ball. He's been solid this year, and he's got the stuff to keep the Phillies' hitters off balance.
Christine: And for the Phillies? Their ace is Zack Wheeler, right? That's a tough draw.
Jason: Yeah, Wheeler is a Cy Young-caliber guy. He's been dominant all season. The Cardinals are going to have to earn every run they get. But you know, the Phillies have had some bullpen issues lately, so if the Cardinals can get to Wheeler early, they might have a chance.
Christine: What about the rest of the series? Do we know who's pitching after tonight?
Jason: I'd expect Matthew Liberatore and Michael McGreevy to get starts. Both have been up and down, but they've shown flashes. The key is going to be getting length from them, because the bullpen has been taxed.
Christine: Speaking of the bullpen, that's a big topic for us today. But before we get there, let's talk about that comeback. Jason, what did you see in that ninth inning that made you think, 'Okay, this team has something'?
Jason: It was the plate discipline. Down by a run with two outs, they didn't panic. They worked the count, put the ball in play, and forced the defense to make plays. When Myers dropped that ball, it was like a dam broke. That's the kind of at-bat quality that wins games in October.
Christine: It was a thing of beauty. Now, let's shift to the next game. The Cardinals are on the road, facing a Phillies team that's been winning at home. What are the keys to stealing this series?
Christine: We'll get into that in a bit, but first, let's take a quick break. Stick with us — we've got a lot more to cover.
Christine: Alright, we're back. Jason, let's talk about the hitters. Who's been carrying this Cardinals offense?
Jason: Jordan Walker has been on a tear. He's been driving the ball to all fields, and his launch angle is finally where we've been hoping it would be. He's a threat every time he steps in the box.
Christine: And Alec Burleson? He's been a consistent presence in the lineup.
Jason: Absolutely. Burleson is the kind of guy who doesn't chase, he works the count, and he finds gaps. He's the table-setter, and Walker is the cleanup guy. That's a solid one-two punch.
Christine: What about the kids? We've got some young guys getting playing time, like Masyn Winn and JJ Wetherholt. How are they handling the pressure?
Jason: Winn is a stud at shortstop, and his bat has come alive. Wetherholt is still finding his footing, but he's got a great eye at the plate. They're both going to be cornerstones for years to come.
Christine: Now, the bullpen. This has been a sore spot all season. What are your concerns heading into this series?
Jason: The bullpen has been taxed. We've seen Ryne Stanek and Peter Strzelecki work a lot of high-leverage innings. The key is getting length from the starters so we don't have to go deep into the pen every night.
Christine: And there's a big name on the injury list: Tony Santillan. He's on the 15-day IL. How much does that hurt?
Jason: Santillan was a key setup guy. Losing him means more pressure on guys like Riley O'Brien and George Soriano. They've been decent, but they're not the same caliber. It's a test of depth.
Jason: And we've also got some long-term injuries on the roster — Brandon Williamson, Graham Ashcraft, Spencer Steer, Blake Dunn, Ramon Urias, Max Rajcic. That's a lot of talent sitting on the IL, but it's also an opportunity for the next man up.
Christine: Right, and we should mention the Reds' injuries too, since we just played them. They had a few guys banged up, but they still took us to the wire.
Jason: Exactly. Every team is dealing with injuries at this point in the season. It's about who can adapt.
Christine: Now, let's talk about the Phillies' lineup. Who's the biggest threat we need to worry about?
Jason: It's got to be Bryce Harper. He's having another MVP-caliber season. But you also have to watch out for Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber. That's a dangerous heart of the order.
Christine: So how do we pitch to them? Do we pitch around Harper or go right at him?
Jason: You have to be smart. You can't let Harper beat you, but you also can't put too many runners on base for the guys behind him. It's a balancing act. The key is to keep the ball down and make him hit the ball on the ground.
Christine: Alright, we've got a lot to think about. When we come back, we'll give you our keys to the series and a bold prediction. Stick with us.
Christine: Welcome back. Jason, we've talked about the matchups, the hitters, and the bullpen. Now, what are your three keys to this series?
Jason: First, the starters have to give us six or seven innings. We can't keep leaning on the bullpen for four innings every night. Second, we need to be aggressive on the bases — the Phillies' catchers aren't the best at throwing out runners. And third, we have to win the late innings. That's where we've been winning games lately.
Christine: I like that. And what about the mental side? The Phillies have that home winning streak, but the Cardinals just pulled off a miracle. Does that give them momentum?
Jason: Absolutely. That kind of comeback can change a season. The guys believe they can win any game now. That's dangerous for the Phillies.
Christine: Alright, time for a bold prediction. I'm going to say the Cardinals take three out of four in Philly. Am I crazy?
Jason: Bold, but I love it. I'll go one step further: Jordan Walker hits a home run in tonight's game. I think he's locked in right now, and Wheeler is hittable if you're patient.
Christine: I'll take that. Let's make it happen, boys!
Christine: That's all the time we've got today. Quick recap: we looked at the pitching matchups, key hitters, bullpen concerns, and our keys to the series. We're feeling good about the Cardinals' chances in Philadelphia.
Christine: Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Beatline on your favorite podcast app. And share this episode with a fellow Cardinals fan. We appreciate you!
Jason: Let's go Cardinals! We'll see you back here tomorrow for the recap.
Christine: Go Cards!