Matthew Liberatore pitches a complete game shutout as the Cardinals beat the Guardians 5-0 on June 29, 2025. See how Libby and Brendan Donovan led the Cards to victory.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Sometimes, you just have to tip your cap. On Sunday, it was Matthew Liberatore's turn to receive the accolades as he delivered one of the most dominant pitching performances of the season. The lefty was simply untouchable, going the distance for a complete game shutout against the Cleveland Guardians, silencing their bats and securing a crucial 5-0 victory for the Cardinals.
9.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 8 K, 1 BB. A masterpiece.
In an era of pitch counts and quick hooks, Matthew Liberatore gave the bullpen a day off and reminded everyone what a true ace performance looks like. He masterfully navigated the Guardians lineup, scattering just four hits and a single walk over nine brilliant innings while striking out eight. The offense provided all the support he'd need. Brendan Donovan broke the game open in the third with a clutch two-run double, finishing his day 2-for-4. Not to be outdone, Willson Contreras launched his 12th home run of the season, a solo shot that added some insurance. With a stellar defensive effort behind him, Liberatore improved to 6-6 with a 3.96 ERA, giving the Cardinals a much-needed series win on the road.
The good news wasn't just confined to Cleveland. Down in Double-A, No. 8 prospect Chase Davis is heating up, launching his sixth home run of the year for the Springfield Cardinals. The 2023 first-round pick's power is undeniable, and he's now batting a solid .278 with 28 RBI. Meanwhile, all eyes in the organization were on Triple-A Memphis, where top pitching prospect Quinn Mathews was scheduled to make his start. With a sparkling 2.91 ERA and a staggering 98 strikeouts in 82 innings, Mathews is making a compelling case for a call-up to the big league rotation later this summer. His progress is one of the most exciting storylines for the second half.
On the roster front, it was a quiet day for the Cardinals' front office. No trades or major moves were announced, indicating the team is content to ride its current momentum. They remain in third place in a tight NL Central race, making every win critical. The club continues to monitor the recovery of catcher Iván Herrera, but for now, the focus is on the players on the field who are getting the job done.
A dominant shutout, timely hitting, and exciting developments from future stars—you can't ask for a much better Sunday. Liberatore's gem provides a massive boost as the team looks to climb the NL Central standings. As the calendar flips to July, the combination of veteran performance and a pipeline of promising talent gives fans plenty of reason for optimism. Let's see if they can carry this momentum into the next series.
