• The St. Louis Cardinals lost 9-2 to the San Diego Padres, extending their post-All-Star break slump to seven losses in ten games.
• Starting pitcher Michael McGreevy was hit hard, allowing seven runs on nine hits in just 4 2/3 innings.
• Alec Burleson provided the only offense for the Cardinals with a two-run homer, his 13th of the season.
• Padres star Manny Machado dominated at the plate, going 4-for-5 with three RBIs.
• The loss drops the Cardinals' season record to 54-51, highlighting their struggles with starting pitching depth.

Another Sunday at Busch Stadium, another deflating loss for the St. Louis Cardinals. The Redbirds were thoroughly outmatched by the San Diego Padres in a 9-2 drubbing, capping a frustrating series and extending their post-All-Star break funk. The loss drops the team to a precarious 54-51 on the season, leaving fans wondering where the spark has gone.

The Cardinals have now lost seven of their last ten games since the All-Star break.

McGreevy's Rough Outing Sinks Cards Early

The game felt out of reach almost from the start. Spot-starter Michael McGreevy, making his fifth MLB start of the year, simply didn't have it. The right-hander was tagged for seven runs on nine hits in just 4 2/3 innings, unable to contain a hot Padres lineup led by Manny Machado, who went 4-for-5 with three RBIs. McGreevy's performance highlighted a recurring issue for the Cardinals: a lack of reliable starting pitching depth, a problem that has forced him to be shuttled between St. Louis and Triple-A Memphis five times this season.

Burleson Provides the Only Fireworks

The lone bright spot for the Cardinals offense came from the bat of Alec Burleson. In the sixth inning, Burleson crushed his 13th home run of the season, a two-run shot that scored Ivan Herrera and finally put the Cardinals on the board. The blast was a no-doubter, leaving the bat at a blistering 108.1 mph and traveling 416 feet to center field. While it did little to change the game's outcome, it was a reminder of the power Burleson brings to the lineup.

Hope on the Horizon? A Look at the Farm

For fans needing a dose of optimism, the farm system provided some good news. The Triple-A Memphis Redbirds secured a thrilling walk-off victory thanks to a 4-for-5 day from Prieto. Meanwhile, MLB Pipeline's updated prospect list showcased the promise of future Cardinals. While top pitching arms like Quinn Mathews, Tekoah Roby, and Tink Hence are on the IL—testing the organization's depth—other hurlers like Ixan Henderson, Brycen Mautz, and Andre Granillo are rising up the ranks. And, of course, top position player prospect JJ Wetherholt continues to impress in his first full season, offering a glimpse of what could be on the way.

As the calendar flips closer to the trade deadline, the Cardinals find themselves at a crossroads. At 54-51 and fading fast, the front office has some tough decisions to make. Is this team a piece or two away from contention, or is it time to look toward 2026? The upcoming week feels pivotal, as the team desperately needs to find its footing and give management a reason to believe in this current squad.