Cardinals beat Padres 9-7 on July 25, 2025, with homers from Herrera, Donovan & Contreras. The win closes the NL Wild Card gap in a crucial series opener.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In what might be the most important series of the season so far, the St. Louis Cardinals came out swinging, securing a massive 9-7 victory over the San Diego Padres to kick off a four-game set at Busch Stadium. The win pulls the Cards to within striking distance in the National League Wild Card race, turning up the heat on a pivotal homestand.
With the win, the Cardinals improved to 53-51 and are now just 2.5 games behind the Padres for the final NL Wild Card spot.
The bats came alive in a big way, erasing any early-game jitters with a six-run explosion in the second inning. The rally was powered by a pair of three-run homers from Brendan Donovan and Willson Contreras, setting an emphatic tone. But the hero of the night was arguably Iván Herrera. Not only did he deliver the go-ahead RBI single in the fourth, but he also added a solo insurance home run in the sixth, finishing the night with three hits. Sonny Gray battled through 5 innings to earn his 10th win, and while giving up seven runs (six earned) wasn't ideal, the offense had his back. Ryan Helsley came on to lock it down for his 20th save of the season.
While the on-field action was thrilling, a sense of anticipation hangs over the club. With the trade deadline fast approaching, the front office has remained quiet, leading to some restlessness among the fanbase. Do they believe this current roster is enough? The latest farm system update from MLB Pipeline adds another layer to the drama. While top prospect JJ Wetherholt continues to dominate, the report highlights a major organizational concern: pitching depth. With Quinn Mathews, Tekoah Roby, and Tink Hence all battling injuries this summer, the Cardinals' upper-level arms are thin. Conversely, the system is suddenly flush with catching talent, with three backstops now ranking in the team's top five prospects. This imbalance could be the key to a deadline deal to acquire much-needed pitching help.
This victory was more than just another number in the win column; it was a statement. By beating the very team they're chasing, the Cardinals have made the path to the postseason tangible. They now sit just 2.5 games behind San Diego for that coveted final Wild Card spot. The gap in the NL Central remains a daunting nine games behind the Brewers, making the Wild Card the most realistic route. The pressure now shifts to Friday's starter, Miles Mikolas, to keep the momentum going and prove this team can string together the wins it needs down the stretch.
One win down, three to go. This series against the Padres feels like a microcosm of the Cardinals' season: full of potential but fraught with questions. Can the offense stay this hot? Can the pitching hold up? And will the front office make a move to bolster this roster for a legitimate playoff push? The next few days, both on the field and in the front office, will tell us everything we need to know about the 2025 St. Louis Cardinals.
