Historic Moment: Adam Wainwright Notches His 200th Career Victory as a Cardinal
Adam Wainwright Bids Farewell with 200th Win
Adam Wainwright, the veteran pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, announced the end of his season and potentially his career, just a few days after securing his 200th win. This milestone victory came in a game against the Cincinnati Reds, a game that was a nail-biter for Cardinals fans.
The 2022 season was a mixed bag for Wainwright. He threw a complete game and had an 11-12 record, pitching 191.2 innings with an ERA of 3.71 and a WHIP of 1.283. However, from June to September, he struggled significantly, recording a 0-10 record and an ERA of 10.72.
The win against the Reds, which took place at Busch Stadium, was a rare bright spot in the 2023 season, a disaster for the Cardinals. Wainwright pitched seven strong innings, striking out three and walking two. John King got through two outs in the eighth inning before giving way to closer Ryan Helsley, who finished the game unscathed.
The game was close, with the Cardinals clinging to a one-run lead, thanks to a Willson Contreras homer in the fourth inning. The victory was a poignant moment for Wainwright and his fans, with his oldest son staying up past his bedtime to watch the historic moment.
The 200th win against the Milwaukee Brewers two years ago had sparked discussions about Wainwright's Hall of Fame eligibility. Key players in that game, such as Contreras, had undoubtedly influenced those discussions.
The 2023 season started on a challenging note for Wainwright, who missed all of April due to a groin strain. He made his first appearance in early May and won two of his first three starts, bringing his career total to 197 wins. However, after this initial success, he won only once more over the next five months, making it difficult for Cardinals fans to watch.
As the 2023 season draws to a close, the Cardinals are gearing up for a full rebuild. Times have been tough for Cardinals fans since the end of 2022, and Wainwright's potential retirement marks the end of an era for the team. It is likely that the game against the Cincinnati Reds was the last time Wainwright pitched at Busch Stadium in a Cardinals uniform.
