Matthew Liberatore threw six scoreless innings, allowing only two hits, as the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Atlanta Braves 4-1 in the second half of a split doubleheader on Wednesday night. The Braves had won the first game 6-2 earlier in the day.
Liberatore (2-2), typically used in relief this season, was pressed into duty as the opener for a bullpen game. He excelled, throwing 85 pitches while setting a season-high in innings and striking out a career-best eight batters with just one walk. Ryan Helsley closed out the ninth inning to secure his 28th consecutive save, extending his team-record streak.
Alec Burleson was instrumental for the Cardinals, hitting two doubles and driving in two runs. St. Louis won for the 10th time in their last 14 games, while the Braves suffered just their fourth loss in 13 games.
Braves starter Bryce Elder (1-3) pitched well, allowing two runs on four hits over six innings with no walks and strikeouts.
The Cardinals took a 2-0 lead in the third inning with a two-out rally. Michael Siani and Masyn Winn singled, setting the stage for Burleson’s two-run double into the right field corner.
In the seventh inning, St. Louis threatened against Braves reliever Grant Holmes. Brendan Donovan singled, stole second, and advanced to third on an error. Despite walks and stolen bases by Nolan Gorman, the inning ended on a flyout by Siani, leaving runners stranded.
Atlanta narrowed the gap to 2-1 in the eighth inning when Ramon Laureano doubled off Andrew Kittredge, followed by an infield single from Sean Murphy. Jarred Kelenic then delivered an RBI single, but the rally ended when Ozzie Albies grounded out.
The Cardinals responded immediately, extending their lead to 4-1 in the bottom of the eighth. Burleson doubled again, and Paul Goldschmidt drove him in with an RBI single. Goldschmidt stole second and scored on Donovan’s single.
In the ninth, the Braves attempted a comeback with Matt Olson drawing a walk and Austin Riley hitting a single. However, Travis d’Arnaud grounded into a forceout, and Adam Duvall struck out to seal the victory for the Cardinals.
The split doubleheader left the Cardinals and Braves with a win apiece, highlighting a competitive day of baseball in St. Louis.
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