ST. LOUIS — Lars Nootbaar delivered a standout performance with two hits and two RBIs, aiding Erick Fedde and the St. Louis Cardinals in securing a 5-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Saturday. Nolan Arenado, Iván Herrera, and Victor Scott II also contributed with two hits each for the Cardinals, who previously bested the Twins 5-3 on Thursday’s opening day.
Erick Fedde (1-0) demonstrated solid pitching, allowing just one run and two hits over six innings while successfully retiring his last 10 opponents. The Cardinals solidified their lead by scoring three runs in the sixth inning, increasing their advantage to 4-1. Arenado kickstarted the inning by doubling off the shoulder of pitcher Jorge Alcala (0-1), followed by Alec Burleson who secured a walk. This was shortly succeeded by Herrera hitting a single to bring Arenado home, leading to a pitching change with Louis Varland taking the mound.
Despite the pitching substitution, Varland struggled initially, issuing a walk before striking out two players. However, Nootbaar came through with a single to center field, driving in Burleson and Herrera, further distancing the Cardinals. In the opening inning, Arenado had already contributed by singling Nootbaar home, setting the tone for the game, although Minnesota managed to equalize momentarily with a Willi Castro RBI double in the second inning.
Minnesota Twins’ starter Joe Ryan delivered a solid showing, pitching five innings, allowing five hits, and notably striking out five without issuing any walks. A critical moment unfolded when Nootbaar made an impressive diving catch on a sinking line drive from Jose Miranda in the second inning, thwarting a run and concluding the inning.
In other noteworthy news for the Cardinals, they considered trading Arenado during the off-season but ultimately decided to retain him. His performance in these games, hitting .500 with four hits including a home run, endorses their decision.
Looking ahead, Minnesota’s right-hander Bailey Ober is set to go against righty Andre Pallante for the series finale on Sunday.