Watch: Costly error continues Cardinals disappointing 2023

The error (and loss) are a microcosm of what has been an awful first half of the 2023 season in St. Louis. Despite being considered the favorite to win the N.L. Central before the year, the Cardinals currently sit 12.5 games back of the division lead and 11.5 games out of a wild-card spot. 

So what's gone wrong? Let's dive in. 

Shoddy Starting Pitching

Consistently playing from behind makes winning games difficult, and that is the position Cardinals starters have put the team in. St. Louis starters have allowed a league-leading 68 first-inning runs in 86 games and as a whole has the fifth-worst ERA in MLB, along with the second-highest batting average against at .294. 

While the rotation has struggled, perhaps the most disappointing results have been from 41-year-old Adam Wainwright. Embarking on his farewell tour, "Waino," has allowed 44 runs in 51 and two-thirds innings over 11 starts. His 7.76 ERA is the worst amongst Cardinals starters but the rest of the staff hasn't been much better with only Jordan Montgomery recording an ERA under 4.00 so far. 

Reeling Relievers 

As of July 5, the Cardinals were tied with four other teams for the second-most blown saves in 2023 with 17, per BetMGM. They're also tied for the fourth-most runs allowed in the ninth inning or later, with 41 earned runs allowed in 68 and one-third innings to go with a cumulative 4.49 ERA. 

The one-two punch of falling behind early and surrendering runs late has put an inordinate amount of pressure on the Cardinals offense that has actually held its own. Anchored by former MVPs Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt, the Cardinals are top-10 in home runs, on-base percentage and OPS.

Is There Hope?

St. Louis has made the playoffs in each of the past four seasons and hasn't finished below .500 since 2007. That record is in grave danger. 

Despite playing in one of the weaker divisions in MLB, there is little to suggest the Cardinals have what it takes to turn this season around. The pitching is simply too inconsistent and, while the offense has performed above league average, it will take a significant second-half slide from the upstart Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers for the Cardinals to have an opportunity to save their season.