By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
The St. Louis Cardinals were unable to capitalize on a quality start from Miles Mikolas, putting up just a lone run on way to a 4-1 series ending loss to the Atlanta Braves Wednesday afternoon at Truist Park.
The Cardinals took the lead in the game early. After Nolan Gorman walked with two outs, and advanced to second base on a wild pitch, Nolan Arenado drove Gorman in with a double into left field. Behind the strong pitching effort from Mikolas, St Louis held that lead until late as the bullpen collapsed.
Mikolas pitched six innings, striking out two and walking two while giving up six hits. It was the best start of the season for Mikolas, his first quality start and first giving up no runs lowering his season ERA to 5.70. He was left however, still searching for his first win of the season.
Atlanta tied the game up in the seventh inning off reliever John King. Nick Allen doubled and scored in the next at bat on a single from Michael Harris II. Kyle Leahy replaced King and ended the inning with a strikeout and a pop out, before he was replaced by JoJo Romero in the eighth and Romero went on to give up three runs.
Back to back singles by Matt Olson and Ozzie Albies opened the inning, then Sean Murphy pinch hitting for Drake Baldwin grounded out advancing both into scoring position. Manager Oliver Marmol went to the bullpen again, replacing Romero with Ryan Fernandez and Fernandez on a 1-1 count gave up a three run blast to Eli White. Back to back strkeouts ended the inning, but it was to little, to late.
Daysbel Hernández, who finished out the eighth inning for Atlanta, remained on the mound, and forced Yohel Pozo to pop out and struck out Victor Scott II. Masyn Winn did single, and moved to second on runners indifference, but was stranded there as Lars Nootbaar grounded out to end the game.
Romero took the loss, falling to 1-3, pitching 0.1 innings and giving up two runs on two hits. Alec Burleson led the way hitting going 3-4 at the plate.
St. Louis is off tomorrow before returning to Busch Stadium on Friday. The Cardinals open a three game series against the Milwaukee Brewers, Matthew Liberatore set to open the series. First pitch is set for 1:15pm on Friday, pregame coverage starting at 1:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).
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