Central STL News

Matthew Liberatore’s ongoing difficulties pitching deep into games continued Tuesday night as the St. Louis Cardinals fell 5-3 to the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. The left-hander, in his first full season as a starter, lasted just four innings and allowed all five of Seattle’s runs on seven hits, including two home runs.

Liberatore has struggled to remain effective past the fifth inning since the All-Star break. On Tuesday, both he and manager Oliver Marmol said fatigue was not the issue.

“Today wasn't a matter of hitting the wall,” Marmol said. “He felt pretty good. It was more [about] execution.”

The Cardinals started strong offensively, taking a 2-0 lead in the second inning with three consecutive hits: a single by Willson Contreras—returning from suspension—an RBI double from Nolan Gorman, and an RBI single by Thomas Saggese.

However, Liberatore surrendered that lead in the third when Victor Robles singled and stole second base, J.P. Crawford walked, and Randy Arozarena hit a three-run homer.

“Three walks and two mistake pitches is really what it boils down to,” Liberatore said. “I can't walk Crawford there to get to Arozarena and fall behind 2-0. That's the price you're gonna pay.”

St. Louis tied it again in the fourth after José Fermín’s liner led to an RBI infield hit off Seattle starter George Kirby. But Seattle responded quickly with Josh Naylor’s solo home run and another run via an Arozarena sacrifice fly.

Liberatore’s velocity peaked at 94.9 mph in the third inning but dipped below 93 mph by his final frame on the mound. He has not won on the road since June 29 in Cleveland—the last time he pitched six innings or more.

Shortstop Masyn Winn was scratched shortly before game time due to right knee soreness and is considered day-to-day; Saggese took over at shortstop while Fermín played second base.

The Cardinals were unable to score against Seattle’s bullpen across five innings as relievers Caleb Ferguson, Eduard Bazardo, Gabe Speier, Matt Brash, and Andrés Muñoz combined for seven strikeouts without allowing a walk or more than two singles.

Afterward, Liberatore reflected on his outing:

“I think it's a little bit more frustrating,” he said. “I think it's easier when your stuff isn't there to just kind of chalk it up to that and move on to the next one. It’s definitely a bit of a gut punch when you feel like your stuff is there and you still get beat.

“But, I'm still motivated. I'm still looking forward to making my last few starts here and finishing the year strong.”