Did the Cardinals Win the Wild Card?
The St. Louis Cardinals are one of the most successful teams in Major League Baseball (MLB). They have won 11 World Series titles, second only to the New York Yankees. The Cardinals have been a consistent contender in the National League Central division, making the playoffs in each of the last five seasons.
In 2019, the Cardinals finished second in the division with a 91-71 record and qualified for the Wild Card round of the playoffs. The Cardinals faced off against the Atlanta Braves in a one-game Wild Card playoff. So, the question remains: did the Cardinals win the Wild Card?
The Cardinals-Braves Wild Card Game
The Cardinals-Braves Wild Card game was a hard-fought affair. The Cardinals jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first inning, but the Braves quickly responded with a run in the bottom of the second. The Braves then took a 4-3 lead in the fourth inning, which they held until the eighth inning.
In the top of the eighth, the Cardinals scored two runs to take a 5-4 lead. The Braves then answered with a run in the bottom of the eighth to tie the game. The game then went to extra innings, where the Cardinals scored the go-ahead run in the top of the tenth. The Braves then failed to score in the bottom of the tenth, and the Cardinals won the Wild Card game 6-5.
The Cardinals Advance to the NLDS
With the win in the Wild Card game, the Cardinals advanced to the National League Division Series (NLDS). The Cardinals were matched up against the NL East champion Washington Nationals in the best-of-five series.
The Cardinals started out strong, winning the first two games of the series. However, the Nationals responded with two wins of their own to tie the series 2-2. In the decisive Game 5, the Cardinals took a 3-2 lead into the ninth inning. The Nationals then rallied for two runs in the bottom of the ninth to take a 4-3 lead. The Cardinals could not answer, and the Nationals won the series.
The Cardinals’ 2019 Season in Review
The Cardinals’ 2019 season was a success despite their loss in the NLDS. The Cardinals finished the season with a 91-71 record, good for second place in the NL Central behind the NL Central champion Milwaukee Brewers. The Cardinals finished the season with the fourth-best record in the NL and the fifth-best record in MLB.
The Cardinals had a balanced offensive attack in 2019, with no player hitting more than 30 home runs or driving in more than 100 runs. However, the team was led by All-Stars Paul Goldschmidt and Dexter Fowler, who each had solid seasons. Goldschmidt hit .260 with 34 home runs and 97 RBIs, while Fowler hit .238 with 18 home runs and 59 RBIs.
The Cardinals also had a strong pitching staff, led by 2019 All-Stars Jack Flaherty and Miles Mikolas. Flaherty was the team’s ace, finishing with a 11-8 record and a 2.75 ERA. Mikolas was the team’s most consistent starter, finishing with an 11-14 record and a 4.16 ERA. The Cardinals also had a strong bullpen, anchored by closer Carlos Martinez, who saved 25 games with a 3.17 ERA.
The Cardinals in the Postseason
The Cardinals have been a consistent presence in the postseason in recent years. They have qualified for the playoffs in each of the last five seasons, including in 2019. The Cardinals have also won one World Series title in that time, in 2011.
The Cardinals have had a successful run in the Wild Card game in recent years. They have won the last three Wild Card games they have played in, including in 2019. The Cardinals have yet to win a World Series since 2011, but they have been a consistent presence in the postseason.
The Cardinals’ Outlook for 2020
The Cardinals enter the 2020 season with high expectations. The team returns its core of All-Stars from 2019 and has added some key pieces in the offseason, including infielder Brad Miller and reliever Andrew Miller. The Cardinals will also be getting starting pitcher Adam Wainwright back from injury, who is expected to be the team’s ace.
The Cardinals are expected to be a strong contender in the NL Central in 2020. The Brewers and Cubs are also expected to be strong contenders in the division, but the Cardinals have the talent to make a run at the division title.
The Cardinals in the Wild Card Game
The Cardinals won the 2019 Wild Card game against the Braves, but they have had mixed results in the Wild Card game in recent years. The Cardinals lost in the Wild Card game in 2016 and 2017 and lost in the NLDS in 2018. The Cardinals have won the Wild Card game in three of the last five seasons, but they have not been able to make it past the NLDS in any of those seasons.
Conclusion
The St. Louis Cardinals won the 2019 Wild Card game against the Atlanta Braves, advancing to the NLDS. The Cardinals ultimately lost to the Washington Nationals in the NLDS, but their 91-71 record was good for second place in the NL Central and the fifth-best record in MLB. The Cardinals enter the 2020 season as one of the favorites in the NL Central and will be looking to make a deep run in the playoffs.
Key Takeaways
- Wild Card Game: The Cardinals won the 2019 Wild Card game against the Braves, but they have had mixed results in the Wild Card game in recent years.
- 2019 Season: The Cardinals finished the 2019 season with a 91-71 record and were led by All-Stars Paul Goldschmidt and Dexter Fowler.
- 2020 Season: The Cardinals enter the 2020 season as one of the favorites in the NL Central and will be looking to make a deep run in the playoffs.