Central STL News

Michael McGreevy continues to make the most of his role in the St. Louis Cardinals' rotation since joining on July 21. On Tuesday night at loanDepot park, the 25-year-old right-hander pitched six innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits in a 7-4 victory over the Miami Marlins.

McGreevy improved his record to 5-2 and has now completed six innings in each of his four August starts. He struck out five batters, hit one, and issued no walks during his 80-pitch outing. He relied mainly on his four-seam fastball and sinker, throwing those pitches a combined 35 times.

“I’ve given you guys repetitive answers, but it’s sticking to that routine in the big leagues and learning how to be a big leaguer,” McGreevy said about his consistency. “Facing big league teams in big league stadiums. Just feeling comfortable with yourself and let yourself know you can play up here and continue to execute when you can.”

The Cardinals gave early run support with Iván Herrera driving in a run with a single in the first inning and adding a two-run single in the second for a 3-0 lead.

Thomas Saggese contributed by going 3-for-4 with a sacrifice fly. Lars Nootbaar and Willson Contreras each singled twice as part of an offensive effort that produced 12 hits, following their previous game where they had collected ten hits.

“I liked the overall approach offensively,” said Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol. “Again, we used the whole field ... and it worked out really well.”

One of the runs allowed by McGreevy was unearned after he made an errant throw to third base following a comebacker by Agustín Ramírez, which allowed Jakob Marsee to score.

“Kicked myself in the butt for missing Gorman there,” McGreevy said. “Tried to be too perfect with that throw to third. I thought I did everything right but the throw."

Saggese recorded his second career three-hit game.

“It’s definitely nice to see some of those drop and contribute to the team,” Saggese said. “It’s a good feeling.”

Of St. Louis’ 22 hits so far this series against Miami, only two have gone for extra bases—Nolan Gorman homered in Monday's opener while Alec Burleson doubled on Tuesday.

“We’re not going to hit a bunch of homers,” Saggese said. “We have to do the little things right. Put a few knocks, move guys over and base run hard.”

After McGreevy exited, relievers Matt Svanson and JoJo Romero each pitched perfect innings before Riley O'Brien secured his second save despite walking two batters at the start of the ninth inning.

“It was good to see Riley regroup and not allow the game to speed up after the two walks and get the two punchouts,” Marmol said.

With this win, St. Louis stands at 63-64 as they look ahead to Wednesday’s series finale against Miami seeking both a .500 record and their first sweep since late June.