Cardinals Aim to Extend Home Success Against Brewers Amid Midseason Adjustments

After a challenging road trip where they lost six of seven games, the St. Louis Cardinals are refocusing at home — and so far, the results are promising.

Following a tight 3-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday night, the Cardinals improved their home record to a strong 9-4, compared to a struggling 2-11 mark on the road. On Saturday, they’ll look to secure a series victory in the second game of the three-game set at Busch Stadium. Check our Daily Baseball Picks from MLB Expert Handicappers.

“You take it one day at a time,” said Cardinals infielder Brendan Donovan to FanDuel Sports Network after the win. “Win today, focus on tomorrow — that’s all we can control.”

Sonny Gray Set to Lead Cardinals on the Mound

The Cardinals will rely on their ace, Sonny Gray (3-0, 3.41 ERA), who has delivered back-to-back quality starts, allowing just three earned runs over his last 13 innings. Notably, Gray struck out 10 while issuing only two walks during that stretch.

Gray’s track record against Milwaukee is solid, holding a 3.15 ERA across 16 career starts. His ability to command the strike zone and limit mistakes could be critical against a Brewers lineup looking to regain its edge.

Bullpen Shifts Reflect Cardinals’ Commitment to Improvement

Ahead of the series, St. Louis made a bullpen adjustment, recalling Riley O’Brien from Triple-A Memphis while demoting the struggling Ryan Fernandez.

“When Fernandez is locked in, his stuff plays against anybody,” said Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol. “He just needs time to sharpen it up and return stronger.”

This proactive move highlights the Cardinals’ focus on tightening games late — especially important in close contests like Friday’s win.

Brewers Searching for Sharpness After West Coast Woes

After dropping three of four games against the Giants, Brewers manager Pat Murphy addressed the team with a meeting centered around discipline, responsibility, and rediscovering their competitive ‘edge.’

“It was about love and discipline,” Murphy explained. “We can’t be an elite team without playing uncommon baseball — with toughness, focus, and passion.”

Friday’s improved defensive effort showed early signs of progress, with the Brewers executing a pickoff and nailing a runner at the plate to stay within striking distance.

Quinn Priester to Challenge Cardinals in First Career Matchup

Quinn Priester (1-0, 1.93 ERA) will start for Milwaukee, having allowed two or fewer runs in each of his three appearances this season. However, Priester has struggled with efficiency, walking nine batters in 14 innings and failing to pitch beyond five innings in any start.

The Cardinals’ patient hitters could look to exploit Priester’s command issues and pressure the Brewers’ bullpen early.

Best MLB

Handicapping Membership

Get Free Trial

Injury Watch: Garrett Mitchell’s Status Uncertain

Brewers outfielder Garrett Mitchell exited Friday’s game with a left oblique strain and is questionable for Saturday’s game. His absence could thin Milwaukee’s defensive coverage and lineup options, adding another challenge for the visiting team.

Final Thoughts

As the Cardinals seek to build consistency at home, strong pitching from Sonny Gray and continued bullpen improvement could be the keys to another series win. Meanwhile, the Brewers are trying to reset their identity and discipline under Pat Murphy’s leadership, hoping a sharper mental approach can translate into wins.

Saturday’s game will be a telling test for both clubs — one striving for stability, the other for a return to elite form. Check the Best Sports Handicappers Leaderboard for 2025 for reliable sports betting picks and in-depth handicapper performance data.