Cardinals Soar High with a 6-1 Victory Over Giants

In a stunning Sunday performance, Brendan Donovan of the St. Louis Cardinals delivered a solo homer in the third inning, later complemented with an RBI single, leading his team to a 6-1 victory over the San Francisco Giants. The Cardinals’ offensive force was further enhanced by Alec Burleson, who contributed three runs.

Stellar Pitching by Cardinals’ Righty, McGreevy

Rookie right-hander Michael McGreevy (3-0) delivered a standout performance, striking out six, allowing only one run, and no walks over an impressive eight innings. José Fermín also contributed with an RBI single in the sixth, reinforcing the Cardinals’ lead. Although McGreevy was on track for the ninth inning, he was relieved at 91 pitches, according to Manager Oliver Marmol who praised the team’s positive wind-down to the season.

Giants’ Birdsong Strikes Out Ten

Despite the loss, Giants’ rookie right-hander Hayden Birdsong showcased his skills with a significant 10 out of 15 initial strikeouts against the Cardinals, finishing with 11 Ks in his 16th start. His performance marked his second career double-digit strikeout game. Birdsong was replaced by Taylor Rogers following back-to-back RBI singles by Donovan and Burleson in the fifth.

Season Wrap-up for Both Teams

Despite a better season than the previous year, Giants’ manager Bob Melvin expressed disappointment with the team’s final record, given their high expectations at the season’s start. The Giants, who won the NL West in 2021, ended this season with an 80-82 record, one victory more than the previous year.

On the other side, the Cardinals, after missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season, finished with an 83-79 record, including 39-42 on the road. Star player Brendan Donovan reflected on the learning experience of the season, stating the importance of continuous growth in the game.

Roster Changes and Upcoming Matches

In the game’s aftermath, roster changes were announced with the Giants recalling Luis Matos and Trevor McDonald from Triple-A Sacramento. The Cardinals, on the other hand, rested Nolan Arenado for the second day in a row.

Looking forward, the Giants are set to play against the Texas Rangers for their Cactus League opener, while the Cardinals will face the Marlins in Jupiter, Florida. Both matches are scheduled for February 22, 2025.