The St. Louis Cardinals have an impressive record this season when their key relievers—Ryan Helsley, Andrew Kittredge, and JoJo Romero—have appeared together, winning 12 out of 13 games. This statistic is partly due to these pitchers being used in situations where the Cardinals already have a lead. However, it also reflects their dominance as a unit.
A recent challenge for the Cardinals came on Wednesday due to weather disruptions, with a game suspended and then resuming the next day. This forced them to use Helsley, Kittredge, and Romero early, making them unavailable for the second game. Despite this setback, other relievers stepped up remarkably, securing a win that completed a series sweep against the Orioles.
Manager Oli Marmol and bench coach Daniel Descalso had to devise a strategy to protect a one-run lead in the second game, given the absence of their ace relievers. They were pleasantly surprised by the outstanding performance of relievers like John King, Kyle Leahy, and Ryan Fernandez, who exceeded expectations. This unexpected success underscored the depth of the Cardinals’ bullpen, which has been consistent throughout the season.
The team had relied on starting pitcher Kyle Gibson to cover many innings in the second game, but rain delays disrupted those plans, putting pressure on the bullpen to cover five innings. Despite the challenges, the bullpen delivered, with King, Leahy, and Fernandez making crucial contributions.
Kyle Leahy, who had been waived by the Cardinals previously, showcased his resilience and skill, providing two scoreless innings when called upon. His success this season has been a testament to his self-belief and the support of the team behind the scenes.
Overall, the Cardinals’ bullpen has been a standout this season, with Helsley, Kittredge, and Romero forming a formidable trio. Their success has contributed significantly to the team’s resurgence, bringing them closer to a .500 record. As shortstop Masyn Winn noted, the entire bullpen has been locked in and effective, showcasing the team’s depth and determination in securing victories.
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