In MLB, hitting with runners in scoring position is a good way to increase a team’s chances of winning a game.
However, it’s possible to win a ballgame without having a single hit with runners in scoring position.
Just ask the St. Louis Cardinals.
“On Wednesday, the Cardinals beat the Reds, 5-3, despite going 0-for-17 with runners in scoring position. They are the second MLB team in the last 45 seasons to win a game in which they had 0 hits on 17+ AB w/ RISP joining the 2004 Boston Red Sox (4/24/04 at NYY),” Stats by STATS tweeted.
On Wednesday, the Cardinals beat the Reds, 5-3, despite going 0-for-17 with runners in scoring position.
They are the second MLB team in the last 45 seasons to win a game in which they had 0 hits on 17+ AB w/ RISP joining the 2004 Boston Red Sox (4/24/04 at NYY). pic.twitter.com/tPMShfUkY2
— Stats By STATS (@StatsBySTATS) September 1, 2022
Wow.
Let’s recap the Cards win and how they scored their runs.
The first thing, before diving in on the offense, is that the pitching staff has to keep the opposing team at bay: Jose Quintana and the bullpen, fueled by a three-inning outing by reliever Andre Pallante, managed to do that.
An Odd Game
Now, to St. Louis’ movement on the scoreboard.
Paul Goldschmidt singled to open the fourth frame, and Nolan Arenado brought him home with a long home run.
It was easy to picture the two best players on the Cardinals being behind this statistical oddity.
St. Louis did not score again until the 13th inning.
With Goldschmidt on second to start the inning by rule, Arenado grounded out to move him to third base.
Albert Pujols brought “Goldy” home with a sacrifice fly to break the tie.
Tyler O’Neill walked, and Lars Nootbaar homered to reach five runs.
There you have it: five runs without a single hit with a man on second or third base.
The Cardinals are now 76-55, six games ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers in the race for the NL Central.
NEXT: Cardinals Fans Have A Fun Cheer For A Rising Talent