Sonny Gray and Iván Herrera led the Cardinals to a 7-3 win over the White Sox on June 18, 2025. See how Gray's ace performance and Herrera's 4 RBIs sealed the deal.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a picture-perfect night for Cardinals baseball. Behind a masterful performance from ace Sonny Gray and clutch hitting from catcher Iván Herrera, St. Louis secured a comfortable 7-3 win over the Chicago White Sox. The game showcased the formula for success the Cardinals have been searching for: dominant starting pitching setting the table for an offense that delivers with runners in scoring position.
Iván Herrera was the offensive hero, delivering two separate two-run singles to account for four of the Cardinals' seven runs.
Sonny Gray was every bit the ace the Cardinals needed on Wednesday night. He carved through the White Sox lineup for seven strong innings, allowing just three runs while striking out eight batters. Gray's command was impeccable, and he consistently kept Chicago's hitters off balance, earning a well-deserved win. Performances like this are exactly why the front office brought him to St. Louis, providing stability and a stopper at the top of the rotation.
While Gray handled business on the mound, Iván Herrera was the man with the plan at the plate. The young catcher was the offensive catalyst, driving in a team-high four runs. His biggest moment came with a bases-loaded, two-run single to left that scored Brendan Donovan and Masyn Winn, effectively putting the game out of reach. It was his second two-RBI single of the night, proving once again that he's not just a steady hand behind the plate but a legitimate threat in the batter's box.
The good news wasn't limited to Busch Stadium. Down in Triple-A, top prospect Thomas Saggese continued his torrid season, launching a massive three-run homer for the Memphis Redbirds. Saggese is just one piece of an exciting puzzle in the Cardinals' farm system. With 13 of the organization's top 30 prospects, including pitchers Quinn Mathews and Tink Hence, projected to reach the majors this year, the future looks incredibly bright. The focus on developing high-ceiling arms and impactful bats like Saggese shows a clear plan to sustain success.
This 7-3 victory was more than just a single win; it was a blueprint. With veterans like Sonny Gray leading the charge and young players like Iván Herrera stepping up in big moments, the Cardinals have a potent combination. As the team looks to build on this momentum, the wave of talent developing in Memphis, led by sluggers like Thomas Saggese, provides exciting reinforcement for the stretch run. The pieces are all there for a memorable season.
