St. Louis Cardinals vs Atlanta Braves Picks and Predictions June 26th 2024

Willson Contreras Sparks Cardinals’ Momentum Against Braves

The St. Louis Cardinals are on a roll, buoyed by the return of catcher Willson Contreras from a broken left forearm. Their recent 4-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves marks their fourth consecutive win, setting the stage for another exciting matchup. With key players returning to form, the Cardinals are poised to maintain their momentum against the Braves.

Contreras’s Injury and Recovery

Willson Contreras’s unexpected early return from a broken left forearm has been a major boost for the Cardinals. Initially projected to be out until mid-July after his injury on May 7, Contreras defied expectations with his quick recovery.
Performance in the Series Opener

In his first game back, Contreras hit an RBI single, helping the Cardinals secure a 4-3 win over the Braves. His energy and competitiveness have reinvigorated the team. Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol praised him, saying, “The energy that he brings when he rounds first, it’s just his overall competitiveness, guys feed off of that.”

Cardinals’ Winning Streak and Momentum

The Cardinals are riding a four-game winning streak, showcasing resilience and team spirit. This streak has been fueled by solid performances from key players, including Contreras, who have stepped up in crucial moments.

Upcoming Challenges Against the Braves

As the series continues, the Cardinals face another challenging game against the Braves. With right-hander Kyle Gibson set to rejoin the rotation after recovering from back stiffness, the team is optimistic about maintaining their winning momentum.

Kyle Gibson’s Return to the Rotation

Kyle Gibson, who missed his previous scheduled start due to back stiffness, is set to return to the rotation. His last outing saw him blank the Chicago Cubs for seven innings, indicating his potential impact on the upcoming games.

Historical Performance Against the Braves

Gibson has a mixed record against the Braves, with a 2-1 standing and a 4.91 ERA in five career starts. His experience and recovery will be crucial as the Cardinals aim to secure another win.

Braves’ Recent Form and Strategy

The Braves have shown significant offensive power recently, hitting 20 home runs in their last 10 games. Despite their 4-3 loss in the series opener, players like Austin Riley have continued to deliver strong performances.

Pitching Matchups and Strategies

Reynaldo Lopez will start for the Braves in the next game, boasting a 1.57 ERA and impressive performances in his recent outings. His ability to keep the Cardinals’ hitters in check will be a key factor in the Braves’ strategy.

Series Postponement and Schedule Adjustments

The scheduled game for Tuesday night was postponed due to inclement weather, leading to a split doubleheader on Wednesday. This change adds a layer of complexity, with both teams needing to adapt quickly to the revised schedule.

Doubleheader Details and Pitching Plans

The Braves will have Reynaldo Lopez and Bryce Elder starting the two games on Wednesday, while the Cardinals’ pitching plans are yet to be finalized. This doubleheader will test both teams’ endurance and strategic planning.

Key Players to Watch

Willson Contreras

Contreras’s return has already made a significant impact, and his continued performance will be vital for the Cardinals. His competitiveness and energy can inspire the team to maintain their winning streak.

Kyle Gibson

Gibson’s return to the rotation after his injury will be crucial. His ability to deliver strong performances will be a determining factor in the Cardinals’ success in the upcoming games.

Reynaldo Lopez

Lopez’s impressive stats this season make him a key player for the Braves. His performance in the doubleheader will be critical in shaping the series outcome.

Nolan Arenado

Though Arenado has missed the past two games due to nerve irritation, his potential return could provide an additional boost to the Cardinals’ lineup.

Brandon Crawford

Filling in at third base for the first time in his career, Crawford’s adaptability and performance will be essential in Arenado’s absence.

Conclusion

The St. Louis Cardinals, buoyed by Willson Contreras’s early return and a four-game winning streak, are poised to continue their strong performance against the Atlanta Braves. With key players returning and strategic adjustments for the doubleheader, both teams face a challenging and exciting continuation of the series.

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