Christine: Matthew Liberatore finally broke his winless streak, Alec Burleson just hit his major league-best 112th RBI, and the St. Louis Cardinals are looking to end a frustrating road skid tonight against the Pittsburgh Pirates. But can they do it in a series that has been defined by injury woes and tight pitching matchups? We’re breaking down everything you need to know for Game 5 of this rivalry.
Christine: Welcome back to the Beatline Podcast Network, where we live for the game. I’m Christine, your lead host, and I’m joined by Jason. Jason, good to have you here as we head into what could be a season-defining stretch for St. Louis.
Jason: Hey Christine. It’s always good to be here. And yeah, this is a critical juncture. The Cardinals are sitting at 77-81, fourth in the NL Central, but that 5-1 victory last night against Pittsburgh gives them some momentum heading into today’s matchup.
Christine: Exactly. So let’s lay out what we’re covering today. First, we’ll dive into the pitching probables and how Matthew Liberatore’s recent success changes the dynamic for this series. Second, we’ll look at the key hitters, specifically Masyn Winn and Nolan Gorman, and how the injury list impacts their lineup construction. And third, we’ll give you our keys to the series and a bold prediction for tonight’s game. Let’s get right into it.
Christine: Alright, Jason, let’s start with the mound. Last night was huge for Matthew Liberatore. He ended an 11-start winless stretch and helped shut down the Pirates’ offense. How do you view his role moving forward, especially with Cooper Hjerpe and Andre Pallante also in the mix?
Jason: It’s significant, Christine. Liberatore’s ability to keep the ball in the park and limit walks was key last night. The Pirates had won five straight before that loss, so stopping that streak was vital. Now, with the Cardinals facing Pittsburgh again today, the management has to decide if they lean on Liberatore’s current rhythm or go with someone like Quinn Mathews or Kyle Leahy to rest him.
Christine: Right, because fatigue is real on a road trip. You mentioned Cooper Hjerpe earlier. In our previous episodes, we’ve talked about his potential impact, but with the injuries piling up, does he make sense here?
Jason: It’s a tough call. Hjerpe has upside, but looking at the roster, there are guys on the 10-day IL like Esmerlyn Valdez, Isaac Mattson, and Everson Pereira. The bullpen is stretched thin too. If the Cardinals want to stabilize the rotation, they might need to pull from depth, which brings us to the bullpen questions.
Christine: Speaking of the bullpen, who are the names we should be watching tonight? Ryne Stanek and Justin Bruihl are veterans, but with Mitch Keller and Braxton Ashcraft out for the season on the 60-day IL for Pittsburgh, the Pirates’ relief corps is also weakened.
Jason: That’s a great point. The Pirates’ injuries, including Max Rajcic and Hunter Dobbins, mean their bullpen might not be as deep as usual. For St. Louis, Ryne Stanek provides stability in high-leverage spots, but Justin Bruihl and Luis Gastelum will likely see increased usage. If the Cardinals can exploit the Pirates’ thinner bullpen early, they can put pressure on the defense.
Christine: So, if the Cardinals can score early, they might not even need their top relievers. That puts the onus on the starting pitcher to go deep. Do you think Liberatore can handle another start, or is it time for a change?
Jason: I’d hesitate to start Liberatore again immediately after such a high-effort performance. His velocity and command were sharp last night, but going deep into games twice in a row is risky. I’d prefer to see Quinn Mathews or Michael McGreevy take the ball today. They offer freshness, and with the Cardinals needing to end this road skid, conserving Liberatore for a potential late-season push makes sense.
Christine: That’s a solid tactical adjustment. Shifting gears to the lineup, Masyn Winn has been a spark plug. Remember, we predicted he’d be the difference-maker in our last episode. Did he deliver last night?
Jason: He certainly contributed, though Alec Burleson was the headline with that 112th RBI. Winn’s speed and on-base ability are crucial for creating chaos on the basepaths. Against a Pirates team dealing with injuries like Endy Rodriguez and Joshua Baez, Winn’s defensive range in shortstop is also a massive asset.
Christine: And Burleson! That RBI mark is historic for him. How important is it for his confidence heading into the final weeks of the season?
Jason: Huge. Burleson’s consistency at first base and his plate discipline are vital. When he’s hitting with runners in scoring position, like he did last night, it takes pressure off the middle of the order. Ivan Herrera has also been surging, which helps balance the lineup.
Christine: Let’s talk about that injury list again. It’s extensive. Esmerlyn Valdez, Isaac Mattson, Everson Pereira, Blaze Jordan, Joshua Baez, Hunter Dobbins, Max Rajcic, plus Mitch Keller and Braxton Ashcraft on the 60-day IL. How does this affect the Cardinals’ strategy tonight?
Jason: It forces flexibility. With so many players out, the Cardinals are relying on guys like Thomas Saggese and JJ Wetherholt to fill roles. Wetherholt at second base needs to be sharp defensively, and Saggese’s versatility allows the manager to shuffle the lineup based on matchups. It’s a test of depth.
Christine: Depth and adaptability. That’s the theme. Okay, Jason, before we move on, one quick thought on the Pirates’ Jared Jones. He threw seven dominant innings last time, allowing only one hit. Can anyone penetrate that kind of stuff?
Jason: If Jones starts today, yes, it’s tough. But if the Cardinals face a different starter, say Kyle Leahy or Andre Pallante, they have a better chance. Pallante’s experience in big moments could be the key. He knows how to battle through adversity, much like Liberatore did last night.
Christine: We’ll see who gets the nod. Stick with us, because next up, we’re diving deeper into the bullpen questions and whether the Cardinals can overcome their own injury woes with a focused offensive approach.
Christine: Welcome back. We’re talking about the Cardinals' path to victory tonight. Jason, let’s focus on the bullpen. With Ryne Stanek, Justin Bruihl, and Cade Winquest available, how do you manage those arms over multiple games?
Jason: It’s about workload management. Stanek is your closer-type arm, so he’s reserved for save situations. Bruihl and Winquest can handle the seventh and eighth innings. But with the Pirates’ bullpen also depleted, using a opener strategy or stretching a starter might be viable if the Cardinals get an early lead.
Christine: An opener? That’s an interesting tactical shift. Do you think the Cardinals have the personnel for that?
Jason: They do. Gordon Graceffo and Brycen Mautz are in the mix. If the Cardinals can get three quick outs from a reliever before bringing in their starter, it could disrupt the Pirates’ batting order timing. It’s a gamble, but with the stakes high, it’s worth considering.
Christine: Okay, let’s talk offense. Alec Burleson is red-hot. Masyn Winn is stealing bases. What about Jordan Walker in right field? Has he found his stroke lately?
Jason: Walker has been inconsistent, but his power potential is undeniable. Against a Pirates team missing players like Everson Pereira and Blaze Jordan, their outfield defense isn’t as formidable. If Walker can drive the ball to the gaps, he can create run-scoring opportunities for Burleson and Winn.
Christine: And Nolan Gorman? He’s been a consistent source of extra-base hits. How does he fit into this lineup construction given the injuries?
Jason: Gorman is crucial. With Cesar Prieto also at third base, the Cardinals have options, but Gorman’s left-handed power is hard to ignore. He thrives against right-handed pitching, and if the Pirates send out a righty, Gorman becomes a primary target for the opposing manager to avoid.
Christine: So, platoon splits matter here. Jason, you mentioned Ivan Herrera’s surge earlier. How impactful has he been recently?
Jason: Very. Herrera’s offensive output has been a bright spot. His ability to hit for average and get on base relieves pressure on the middle of the order. If he continues this trend, it opens up driving-in runs for Burleson and Gorman.
Christine: What about Leo Bernal behind the plate? Does his framing help the pitchers, especially with the bullpen being stretched?
Jason: Absolutely. Bernal’s defensive skills are underrated. Good framing can turn called strikes into strikes, which helps pitchers conserve energy. In tight games, that marginal gain can be the difference between a win and a loss.
Christine: Let’s pivot to the bigger picture. The Cardinals are 77-81. Is there any realistic hope for a playoff push, or is this about building for 2027?
Jason: Mathematically, the odds are slim, but baseball is unpredictable. Every win matters for morale and player development. Plus, with teams like the Pirates struggling with injuries, anything can happen in the NL Central race. The Cardinals need to win these remaining games to set a positive tone for the offseason.
Christine: Building for the future while competing now. That’s a fine line. Before we get to our prediction, I want to take a quick moment to thank you all for listening. This show is free daily because of fans like you. If you enjoyed this breakdown of the Cardinals' chances, please consider chipping in via the link in the episode description. Your support keeps us going and helps us bring you these insights every single day.
Jason: Thanks, Christine. That means a lot. Alright, let’s get to the keys to the series. First, the Cardinals must capitalize on early scoring. If they can jump ahead in the first three innings, they can rest their starters and preserve the bullpen.
Christine: Second key? Defense. With so many injuries, every play counts. Masyn Winn and Thomas Saggese need to be flawless in the infield to prevent errors that could extend innings.
Jason: Third, pitch to contact. The Pirates’ bullpen might be tired. The Cardinals shouldn’t chase pitches outside the zone. Instead, they should look for mistakes and drive the ball. Burleson and Gorman are best when they’re attacking strikes.
Christine: Bold prediction time. Jason, you predicted a Pirates win last time. Where are you landing tonight?
Jason: I’m sticking with my guns. I think the Pirates’ home-field advantage and their recent momentum will carry them. I predict a 4-3 Pirates win. Jared Jones or their bullpen will find a way to hold off St. Louis.
Christine: Oh, I disagree completely. I think the Cardinals’ resilience and Burleson’s hot bat will shine. I predict a 5-4 Cardinals win. Liberatore or Mathews will pitch deep into the game, and Winn’s speed will break the tie.
Jason: We’ll see who’s right. One thing is certain: this series is far from over. The Cardinals have the talent to compete, but they need to execute perfectly.
Christine: That’s a wrap on our preview! We’ve looked at the pitching matchups, the injury impacts, and our bold predictions. Whether you’re rooting for St. Louis or Pittsburgh, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the Beatline Podcast Network wherever you listen. Share this episode with a friend who loves baseball!
Jason: Great work, Christine. Thanks for joining us. Go Cards!
Christine: And that’s the rally cry! Keep your eyes on the standings, and we’ll catch you tomorrow. Have a great day, everyone!