Dane McGuire

Copy Editor

 

 

After being denied the World Series trophy for the past two years, the third time could be the charm for the St. Louis Cardinals this October.  

 Following a dormant 2012, St. Louis won both the 2013 National League Central Division title and were also National League champions that year. These smaller achievements are something for manager Mike Matheny to build on, just two years into his regime.

With an 80-64 record as of Sept. 9, the Cardinals are once again on top of their division. Now is the time to act.

The Redbirds still have to worry about the Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals in the race for the NL’s top spot.

Mike Bauman of MLB.com reported that since the Cardinals won their last World Series in 2011, they have been the best team in September, with a 58-29 record during that time to prove it.

“I think a lot of it has to do with experience and having some guys who have been there [the postseason] before,” Matheny said to Bauman. “But there are other teams that have been through it and know what it takes. It all comes back to leadership — and I’m talking about our veteran players, who have been very consistent in how they prepare and go about the games. Then, it’s an easy model for the younger players to follow.”

Given the fact that play from Opening Day through the summer months is typically slow and filled with injuries, September always manages to set up a great storyline.

After regaining their team leader, Yadier Molina, from the disabled list, and developing a plan that got them wins in at least three of four games against their opponents, St. Louis is in a race to finish on top.

“I think the team is playing it’s best ball at the end of the season, and just in time for the playoffs, and after all, that’s all you want is to play your best ball in the playoffs. So like previous seasons, I see them going pretty far in the playoffs,” former Trailblazer baseball player, Tyler Lumma said.

 

Contact Dane at ndmcguire@lc.edu