Embarrassing Defeat: St. Louis Cardinals struggle against Colorado Rockies, who are currently residing in the league's basement
St. Louis Cardinals' Playoff Hopes Fade Amidst Series Losses to Colorado Rockies
The St. Louis Cardinals' playoff chances have taken a significant hit, with their current odds standing at approximately 8.3%, a sharp decline from earlier in the season. This downward trend can be attributed to a series of recent losses, including their encounters with the Colorado Rockies.
The Cardinals' struggles against the Rockies were evident in their inability to score, despite the Rockies only managing three earned runs throughout the series. In the first game, the Cardinals emerged victorious with a score of 3-2, but their fortunes changed in the subsequent match, as they were shut out for the second time in the series.
Kyle Freeland, who entered the series with a 5.66 ERA, was the architect of the Cardinals' downfall, as he managed to shut them out. The Rockies' pitching staff, which is often found near the bottom of the National League in every meaningful category, clearly outperformed the Cardinals' during this series.
The Cardinals' offensive struggles were further highlighted by their inability to capitalise on scoring opportunities, with multiple double plays and six runners left on base in both games. They were also 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position in both games, a statistic that underscores their need for improvement in their offensive strategy.
The Cardinals' losses to the Rockies, a team that has lost five separate stretches of seven games or more this season, have dealt a severe blow to their playoff aspirations. The Rockies have, however, managed to secure series wins against divisional leaders like the Dodgers and Cubs, making the Cardinals' losses even more concerning.
Despite the grim outlook, former Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright remains optimistic about a late-season rally. However, expert analysis and current playoff probability models suggest that the odds remain slim. The Cardinals are currently four games behind in the wild card race, but they still believe their playoff chances aren't dead.
The Cardinals will need a significant and improbable late-season surge to salvage their playoff hopes. As they stand, their path to the 2025 playoffs is very difficult following these recent losses.
The St. Louis Cardinals' playoff hopes in the MLB appear remote, considering their losses to the Colorado Rockies, who have shown the ability to defeat divisional leaders. The Cardinals' inability to score against the Rockies' pitching, their mismanagement of scoring opportunities, and their current standings in the wild card race indicate a challenging path to the 2025 MLB playoffs.
