St. Louis’ leadoff man delivers another clutch offensive explosion to keep the Cardinals rolling.
Tommy Edman torched the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday, delivering a 4-for-5 performance with a three-run homer to fuel the St. Louis Cardinals’ 9-3 victory. Edman’s four-hit night included a go-ahead three-run blast in the second inning that broke a 1-1 deadlock, giving the Cardinals early control.
He added a single and a double, driving in four runs total while scoring twice as St. Louis pounded out 14 hits against Oakland’s pitching staff. 8 runs per game in April.
The three-run homer was Edman’s 12th of the season, tying his career-high from 2021 and marking his third multi-hit game in the last five outings. 812 OPS now rank among the team’s top offensive producers, underscoring his emergence as a consistent run producer in the lineup. 580, a 160-point slugging improvement over his first two months.
Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol praised Edman’s approach at the plate. “He’s seeing the ball better, driving it to all fields, and making pitchers work,” Marmol said. ” The Cardinals’ pitching staff has also benefited from the offensive surge, as opponents have been forced to chase pitches out of the zone more often, leading to higher pitch counts and earlier bullpen usage by opposing teams.
The surge in offensive production coincides with a broader shift in the Cardinals’ approach under Marmol. 2% over the last two months compared to April. This discipline has translated into more walks and better pitch selection, with Edman leading the charge.
His ability to work deep counts has been a catalyst for the lineup, as pitchers are forced to throw more hittable pitches in advantageous counts. Edman’s resurgence also reflects a league-wide trend where leadoff hitters are posting career-best offensive numbers in 2024. 812 OPS places him in the top 15.
This mirrors a broader shift where teams are increasingly relying on speed and contact skills at the top of the order, a strategy that has paid dividends for St. Louis. What’s next: Edman and the Cardinals continue their three-game series against the Athletics on Wednesday, looking to capitalize on their momentum with another high-powered offensive display.
The series presents a critical opportunity to further separate from the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central, where St. 5-game lead. The Cardinals’ next homestand begins Friday against the division-rival Chicago Cubs, a series that could further define their playoff positioning as the trade deadline approaches. Read at ClearSports
Edman’s breakout offensive surge positions the Cardinals as serious contenders in the NL playoff race while boosting his fantasy value as a multi-category contributor. His ability to deliver in clutch moments—evidenced by the three-run homer—solidifies his role as a cornerstone of St. Louis’ lineup. The team’s offensive revival has also shifted the narrative from early-season inconsistency to legitimate contender status, with the Cardinals now boasting the third-best run differential in the NL at +58. The Cardinals’ improved plate discipline under Marmol has been a key driver of this turnaround, reducing swing-and-miss and forcing pitchers into unfavorable counts.
ClearSportsrotowire.comJun 30, 12:00 AMen
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