Central STL News

On Monday night at Busch Stadium, the St. Louis Cardinals secured a 7-1 victory over the Miami Marlins, with notable performances and adjustments from several players. Andre Pallante delivered a strong pitching performance after recent struggles, while Iván Herrera made his first professional start in the outfield.

Herrera, who had not played outfield since his youth baseball days in Panama, was moved to left field for the game. In the second inning, he tracked down a fly ball near the warning track and managed to make the catch despite some visible nerves. Victor Scott II, playing center field, backed him up on the play.

“I saw the ball, and one second after that, my heart rate went to the sky, and after I caught it, I remember touching my chest and I was feeling my heart come out of it,” said Herrera of his experience handling the fly ball. “But I was just laughing and enjoying being out there in [left field] for the first time in my [professional] career.”

Alec Burleson benefitted from Herrera’s move to left field by serving as designated hitter for the night. He commented on Herrera’s adjustment: “The first one is different catching a ball in a big league stadium, so I know he was nervous,” said Burleson. “But [Herrera] puts the work in. Once you get your first [fly ball], then you’re good to go. It just takes reps -- that’s what I’ve learned throughout my process of learning the outfield. But, he did good.”

Burleson also contributed offensively with his second home run in as many games—a Statcast-projected 411-foot shot that tied him with Willson Contreras for most homers on the team this season.

The Cardinals ended a two-game losing streak with Monday's win but remain on the edge of playoff contention for an NL Wild Card spot. The team has posted a 7-15 record since June 30 and currently sits three-and-a-half games behind in pursuit of postseason play.

Nolan Arenado received a day off amid ongoing trade speculation and personal struggles at bat; he has not hit a home run in 23 games and has recorded only four RBIs during that stretch. Two-time All-Star closer Ryan Helsley also sat out Monday’s game and acknowledged expectations that he may be traded before Thursday’s MLB Trade Deadline; according to sources familiar with trade discussions, teams such as Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies are interested.

Pallante entered Monday's contest with an 0-3 record and a 9.77 ERA over his previous three starts but held Miami hitless through five innings before allowing a single in the sixth. He completed seven scoreless innings overall.

“I had some hard-hit balls at guys and I feel like that’s just kind of evening out with what’s been going on over the last few weeks,” said Pallante about his outing. “But I stayed on the attack, commanded the inside part of the plate and I kept the offspeed down.”

Pallante also reflected on Herrera's debut performance: “The first one is always the toughest,” Pallante joked. “We’ve got to build his confidence up, so I was happy we could get him [a fly ball] today.”