Sun Apr 13 19:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Cardinals Eye Series Win Against Phillies, Facing Wheeler’s Challenge

**St. Louis, MO** – The St. Louis Cardinals face a crucial rubber match against the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday at Busch Stadium, seeking their first series win in two weeks. The game, starting at 1:15 p.m., pits the Cardinals’ Matthew Liberatore against Phillies ace Zack Wheeler.

Wheeler, one of baseball’s top pitchers since 2021, enters the game with a 1-0 record and a 3.44 ERA. However, he’s shown some recent vulnerability, allowing a home run in each of his three starts and a higher rate of pulled fly balls, which opponents are hitting at an .800 clip. This weakness could play into the Cardinals’ hands, as they rank fourth in MLB in batting average (.465) on pulled fly balls.

Liberatore, meanwhile, will be looking to improve on his 0-1 record and 5.84 ERA. He’s struggled with his slider this season, throwing it less often and at a slower speed than in 2022.

Adding to the Cardinals’ woes, shortstop Masyn Winn has been placed on the 10-day injured list with lower back spasms, while catcher Ivan Herrera will be out at least four weeks with a bone bruise in his knee. Left-handed pitcher Zack Thompson is also on the 60-day injured list with a lat strain.

The Phillies evened the series on Saturday with a 4-1 victory, improving their record to 9-5, while the Cardinals sit at 6-8. Post-Dispatch columnist Lynn Worthy and Jeff Gordon analyzed the Cardinals’ recent road trip, offering insight into the team’s performance. The Sunday game promises a compelling matchup as the Cardinals aim to capitalize on Wheeler’s recent struggles and secure a series win.

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