For lots of people, 13 is a lucky number. When it comes to innings played in games by the Cardinals, however, not so much.
The team’s record in extra innings so far this season is 2-5. The last three games that have gone into extra innings have resulted in a loss in 13 innings. Tuesday was an exciting game, with Randal Grichuk scoring from second base on a wild pitch by Clayton Kershaw to tie it up in the top of the ninth inning. The night ended after 13 innings with Logan Forsythe hitting a walkoff double to win the game for the Dodgers 2-1. What is it about this (un)lucky number of innings that leaves Cardinals fans and players frustrated (and tired if they stayed up to watch the game against the Dodgers)?
Could it be that the team simply runs out of steam and players? Thirteen innings is no small feat. However, Tuesday’s game against the Dodgers does not support this, there were still several available pitchers in the bullpen, though Eric Fryer was the only position player left on the bench. With Lance Lynn pitching into the eighth inning, this gave the team lots of flexibility when it came to those extra innings. Tuesday’s game was a rare occurrence, with both starting pitchers playing late into the game and allowing very few hits. The Cardinals were the first team to strikeout 19 batters while allowing three or less hits and lose.
The Cardinals played 14 innings, their longest game so far this season, against the Atlanta Braves, resulting in a 6-4 win for St. Louis back on May 7. They also played two 11-inning games against Toronto, resulting in one win and one loss on April 25 and 27. They also lost a 10-inning game against Milwaukee on May 1.
The team’s starting pitchers have been doing pretty well recently, though a lack of run support has resulted in extra innings where the team eventually falters. The Cardinals do not have the best record when it comes to playing extra innings, so fans will have to hope that the team can get the win in nine innings.
