Cardinals top White Sox 8-6 on June 20, 2025, after 10th-inning heroics from Arenado & Nootbaar. See how rookie Andre Granillo sealed the win with his first save.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a game that had everything a baseball fan could ask for—a big early lead, a stunning comeback, and extra-inning drama—the St. Louis Cardinals showcased both their veteran grit and their exciting future. After building a commanding lead only to see it evaporate, Nolan Arenado and Lars Nootbaar delivered in the 10th before rookie Andre Granillo slammed the door for his first career save, sealing a thrilling 8-6 victory over the Chicago White Sox.
Since debuting on June 12, rookie Andre Granillo has thrown five scoreless innings across four appearances, allowing only three baserunners and now has his first career MLB save.
Just when it felt like momentum had completely swung to the White Sox after their five-run rally in the seventh, the Cardinals' biggest stars stepped up. In the top of the 10th, Nolan Arenado continued his stellar night, lacing a go-ahead RBI single to break the 6-6 tie. Not to be outdone, Lars Nootbaar followed with a towering solo home run, his ninth of the year, providing a crucial insurance run. It was a powerful response that snatched victory from the jaws of a potential collapse.
With a two-run lead in the bottom of the 10th, the ball was handed to a fresh face: rookie reliever Andre Granillo. In just his fourth big-league appearance, he was tasked with securing his first-ever save. The right-hander was unfazed, working a scoreless frame with a strikeout to cement the win and a new career milestone. It's an incredible start for Granillo, who has yet to allow a run in his five innings of work, signaling the arrival of another potent arm in the Cardinals' bullpen.
Granillo's success isn't an anomaly; it's the latest proof that the Cardinals' organizational youth movement is bearing fruit. The major league roster already features six homegrown regulars aged 27 or younger, with pitchers like Andre Pallante and Matthew Liberatore anchoring the rotation. The next wave is right on the cusp, with prospects like JJ Wetherholt and Thomas Saggese knocking on the door. Further down, players like Tekoah Roby and catcher Rainiel Rodriguez (slashing .355/.494/.839 in Low-A) show the talent pipeline is loaded for years to come.
Last night's victory was more than just another tally in the win column; it was a snapshot of the 2025 Cardinals' identity. It's a team built on veteran leadership from stars like Arenado and a thrilling, high-ceiling youth movement personified by Granillo's clutch performance. As the season grinds on, this blend of experience and emerging talent will be the formula the Cardinals rely on to make their mark.
