This game looked like it was headed in the same direction as the previous four, with the Cardinals trailing San Diego 2-0 in the fifth inning against an All-Star starting pitcher. But one inning before St. Louis would’ve set a record they really did not want to set, Lars Nootbaar popped a homer to get them on the board. Then Donovan followed with a grand slam shortly after.
Plus, Jack Flaherty didn’t just get by today, he actually looked strong for the first time in over a year. His fastball topped out at 97 mph in the sixth inning, and his slider was sharp and was effective against both righties and lefties.