Christine: Twelve to three. That one stung, Cardinals Nation. But today is a new day, and we've got a series split on the line in Philly.
Jason: And a chance to steal a game from the hottest team in baseball. The Phillies have won eight straight, but we've got the pitching to cool them off.
Christine: Welcome back to the Beatline Podcast Network. I'm Christine, and alongside me as always is the sharpest mind in the game, Jason. How are we feeling today, J?
Jason: Honestly? I'm feeling like we need to flush last night and focus on the details. Today's a big one.
Christine: Here's what we're breaking down today: first, the pitching probables for this afternoon's rubber match. Then, we're diving into the hitters who need to step up and the bullpen questions that just won't go away. And finally, keys to the series and a bold prediction you won't want to miss.
Jason: Let's get into it.
Christine: Alright, J. Let's set the scene. The Cardinals are 66-65, sitting third in the NL Central. The Phillies are 71-58, second in the NL East, and they've been on an absolute tear. Eight straight wins.
Jason: And we've seen it up close. Friday night was that wild extra-inning game where Bohm's triple in the tenth won it 7-6. Then last night, they just blew the doors off with a 12-3 rout. Schwarber hit his MLB-leading 38th homer, and rookie Andrew Painter threw seven strong innings.
Christine: That Painter kid is legit. But today, we get a chance to stop the momentum. Who's on the bump for the Redbirds?
Jason: We don't have official probables yet for this afternoon, but based on the rotation and the way they've been lining up, I'd expect to see one of our young arms. We've got guys like Quinn Mathews, Michael McGreevy, and Matthew Liberatore all in the mix.
Christine: And the Phillies are probably going to counter with someone like Zack Wheeler or Aaron Nola, right? Or maybe they go with a bullpen game after that big win?
Jason: Could be. But honestly, it doesn't matter who they throw. Our offense needs to show up. We only mustered three runs last night, and the bats have been inconsistent all series.
Christine: We talked before the series about taking three of four. After two losses, that's off the table. But a split? That would be a huge statement.
Jason: Absolutely. Winning today would steal the momentum back and send us home with a 2-2 split against a team that's been unbeatable lately. It's all about the pitching matchup today.
Christine: Alright, we'll keep an eye on those probables as they come out. Stick with us, because next we're talking about the hitters and the bullpen.
Christine: Now, Jason, let's talk about the bats. Last night, we got three runs. That's just not going to cut it against this Phillies lineup.
Jason: Right. We need guys like Jordan Walker and Alec Burleson to set the tone early. Walker's been a spark plug, and we've been predicting a homer for him all series. He hasn't gone deep yet, but he's due.
Christine: And we've got to get on base. Plate discipline is key against a guy like Painter, who was throwing strikes last night. We need to work counts and get to their bullpen.
Jason: Exactly. That's where our offense can excel. If we can get their starter out by the sixth and get into that Phillies 'pen, we've got a chance.
Christine: Now, the bullpen. It's been a concern all season, and last night didn't help. Do we trust these guys in a tight game today?
Jason: Honestly, it's a mixed bag. We've got guys like Ryan Fernandez and Gordon Graceffo who've been solid at times. But we're missing some key pieces. Andre Pallante is on the IL, and that hurts.
Christine: And don't forget the injury list from the last game. Derek Hill and Luis Arraez are day-to-day, Masyn Winn is day-to-day too. That's a lot of uncertainty.
Jason: Winn being banged up is a big deal. He's our anchor at shortstop. If he can't go, that's a hole in the lineup and the defense.
Christine: But look, we've got depth. JJ Wetherholt has been solid at second, and Blaze Jordan's been swinging a hot bat. The pieces are there, we just need the whole lineup to click.
Jason: And we need to get on base. Our OBP has been below average lately. If we can get guys on, we can manufacture runs. That's how we win games.
Christine: Alright, so the key is early offense and a steady bullpen. But what's the one thing you're watching for most today?
Jason: I'm watching to see if our starter can give us six solid innings. If we can get into the seventh with a lead, I like our chances. But if we're playing from behind early, it's going to be a long day.
Christine: Good point. Stick with us, because next we're laying out the keys to the series and my bold prediction.
Christine: Alright, Jason. We're 2-2 heading into today's finale. What are the keys to coming out of Philly with a split?
Jason: First key: get ahead early. The Phillies have been scoring first and then letting their pitching take over. We need to strike first and make them play from behind.
Christine: Second key: win the battle in the middle innings. That's where their bullpen is beatable.
Jason: Exactly. And third key: we need to limit the big inning. Last night, they put up a crooked number and we couldn't recover. We need to keep the ball in the yard and make them earn their runs.
Christine: So, Jason, you predicted Jordan Walker would homer in this series. He hasn't yet. Are you sticking with that for today?
Jason: You know what? I'm doubling down. Walker is too talented to stay quiet for long. I'm calling it now: Walker goes deep today.
Christine: There it is! And my bold prediction? I'm saying the Cardinals win this one 5-2, and the bullpen locks it down for the final three innings.
Jason: Ooh, I like that. That's a confident pick after last night's mess. Let's see if the boys in the pen can step up.
Christine: Alright, that's our show for today. Quick recap: we've got a must-win today to split the series, we need the bats to wake up, and the bullpen has to be sharp. If we do those things, we're coming home happy.
Christine: Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Beatline Podcast Network. Share this episode with your fellow Cardinals fans, and we'll be back with more coverage after the game.
Jason: Let's go Cardinals! Beat Philly!