While the loss is a bitter pill to swallow, AJ Hinch and Co. held onto the best record in major league baseball, which now sits at a 1.5-game lead over the surging Philadelphia Phillies. Their lead in the American League Central remains a robust 4.5 games over both the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Guardians.

STL: Willson Contreras: Contreras has been on fire after his cold slump, so much so that he could have been Player of the Week three straight weeks. He hit a long double in Game 1 of the series and has a career 133 wRC+ against LHP, so if anyone is going to hit Jesus Luzardo, I would guess it would be this guy.

A look ahead to the MLB game between CARDINALS and PHILLIES. Your source for scores, previews, recaps, box scores, and more from every Major League Baseball. The schedule is set, and we're ready for some baseball.