Lars Nootbaar drove in two runs, and Kyle Gibson pitched well for six innings, helping the St. Louis Cardinals secure a 5-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks in the last game of their three-game series on Wednesday.
This win marked the Cardinals’ first victory in a series finale this season, following a tough 14-1 loss the night before.
St. Louis manager Oliver Marmol commented, “It was just a bad game yesterday as far as the final score. They showed up today ready to go. We take it one game at a time.”
In his 299th start, Gibson (2-2) allowed just one run and five hits. He struck out six batters and walked two, extending his streak of pitching for six innings or more in five consecutive starts.
“We came in with a good attitude and kind of flushed last night away,” Gibson said. “We were facing a good pitcher over there. I know it’s cliche, but you can’t let one loss turn into two.”
Three relievers finished the game for St. Louis.
Former Cardinal Jordan Montgomery (1-1) pitched seven innings in his second start for Arizona since signing a one-year, $25 million deal this season. Despite his effort, allowing three runs (two earned) and six hits, the Diamondbacks couldn’t secure the win.
“I got my pitches and I got seven innings and other than losing, there are some positives, but we lost so it stinks,” Montgomery said.
The Cardinals took the lead 2-1 in the sixth inning against the defending National League champions. Brendan Donovan singled with one out, followed by a double from Willson Contreras. Nolan Arenado’s single then brought Donovan home, and Contreras scored on a wild pitch before Montgomery retired the next two hitters.
