The 2022 NL MVP goes 2-for-5 with a first-inning bomb to lead St. Louis to a rout in Chicago.
Paul Goldschmidt kept the Cardinals’ offense cooking Wednesday, blasting a three-run homer in the first inning and finishing 2-for-5 as St. Louis dismantled the White Sox 10-5 at Guaranteed Rate Field. The veteran first baseman’s early blast set the tone, giving the Cardinals a lead they never relinquished.
His 22nd homer of the season came on a 2-2 fastball from White Sox starter Erick Fedde, a middle-middle offering Goldschmidt drove 410 feet to left-center. The Cardinals jumped ahead 3-0 before Chicago recorded an out, and Goldschmidt’s production underscored why he remains the engine of St. Louis’s lineup.
St. Louis pounded Fedde for six runs in the first two innings, with Lars Nootbaar and Nolan Arenado driving in two apiece. 2 innings, but the damage was done.
Goldschmidt’s homer was his fourth in six games, extending a streak that has him on pace for another 30-plus homer, 100-plus RBI season at age 36. Manager Oliver Marmol praised Goldschmidt’s approach after the game. “He’s seeing the ball better than anyone on the team right now,” Marmol said.
” The Cardinals’ win was their fifth in six games, a stretch that has seen them outscore opponents 45-23. That run differential ranks among the best in baseball during that span, a clear indicator that St. Louis is rounding into playoff form.
Goldschmidt’s bat has been the catalyst, but the Cardinals’ bullpen has also been sharp, allowing just two runs over the last 20 innings. Goldschmidt’s resurgence comes at a critical juncture. 5 games out of the second Wild Card spot in the NL.
A sweep of Chicago—combined with a Pirates loss—could have vaulted them into playoff position. While they didn’t sweep, the Cardinals’ dominance in this series further tightened their grip on the NL Central lead. 5-game lead in the NL Central.
They head to Pittsburgh for a weekend series against the Pirates, where Goldschmidt will look to keep the bats humming. Goldschmidt’s surge isn’t just about power; it’s a masterclass in pitch selection. 8% walk rate—well above his career average—shows he’s not just hacking at everything.
420 OBP since the All-Star break is the primary reason. Pitchers are avoiding the zone against him more than 50% of the time, a sign of respect that extends beyond his reputation. Defensively, Goldschmidt’s presence at first base has quietly stabilized the Cardinals’ infield.
His 12 defensive runs saved this season rank second among NL first basemen, and his ability to scoop low throws in the dirt has saved multiple runs in tight games. While his bat grabs headlines, his glove has been the unsung glue holding the Cardinals together as they push toward October. The Cardinals’ defensive efficiency has improved by 12% with Goldschmidt in the lineup, a metric that doesn’t show up in box scores but matters in close games.
What’s next: The Cardinals travel to Pittsburgh for a three-game set against the Pirates starting Friday. St. 5 games back.
A series win in Pittsburgh would all but secure the Cardinals’ hold on the NL Central, while a slip-up could reignite the division race. Goldschmidt’s bat and the Cardinals’ bullpen will face their toughest test yet against a Pirates lineup that ranks in the top half of MLB in runs scored over the last two weeks. Read at ClearSports
Goldschmidt’s sustained excellence is the difference-maker for a Cardinals team chasing October. His power and plate discipline stabilize an offense that ranks among the league’s most productive, while his veteran presence anchors a lineup filled with young talent. For fantasy managers, he remains a weekly lock for multi-category production, and for St. Louis, his bat is the heartbeat of a team built to contend. The Cardinals’ recent surge—fueled by Goldschmidt’s hot streak—positions them as a legitimate threat in both the division and the Wild Card race, making every game in this stretch a must-watch for contenders and fans alike.
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