The Cardinals seemed to be on a roll after winning two out of three games against the Rangers. Their momentum carried into a game against the Cubs, where they even had a 4-2 lead with strong pitching from Sonny Gray and energized by Tommy Pham’s return.
However, their hopes were dashed as Ryan Helsley allowed crucial hits, leading to a disappointing loss at Wrigley Field. This pattern of winning games and then faltering is becoming all too familiar, acting as a reality check for the team.
The Cardinals keep finding themselves unable to sustain a winning streak, repeatedly slipping back just when it seems like they are gaining momentum. Each setback feels like a harsh reality check for the team, underscoring their inability to break away from a .500 record and make a significant push in the standings.
Despite the team’s potential, every defeat highlights their struggle to make a substantial leap in performance, leaving them hanging around the middle of the pack without a clear identity or consistent success.
Their recent slide in the Wild Card race further emphasizes the need for a turnaround, especially with strong competition from teams like the Diamondbacks and Pirates creeping up in the standings.
With a challenging schedule ahead, doubts linger about the Cardinals’ ability to secure a playoff spot and make an impact. Their negative run differential reflects underlying issues that need to be addressed to turn their season around.
The Cardinals face an uncertain future, marked by setbacks and missed opportunities. The team’s struggle to maintain momentum underscores their status as a middling team in a relatively weak National League field.
