The Cardinals are longshots to make the playoffs, but it was nice to play a little spoiler on the Cubs this weekend. They bounced back in a big way tonight after a 9-1 drubbing last night at the hands of the North Siders.

It was a very well-pitched game between Sonny Gray and Shota Imanaga, and it certainly was everything it was cracked up to be. The Cardinals got the timely hits too. Pedro Pages had a big game, opening the scoring with a two-run shot in the bottom of the third while the ESPN crew had Pete-Crow Armstrong mic’d up.

Matt Shaw tied the game in the fifth inning with a two-run homer, but the Cardinals weren’t done there. Jordan Walker stole a crucial base in the bottom of the seventh to set up another big hit from Nolan Gorman that put St. Louis back in front.

Riley O’Brien and JoJo Romero got the final six outs to secure a series win.

Gray plays stopper to secure series win.

One of the key factors in tonight’s game was obviously Sonny Gray. He pitched really well against the Dodgers on Monday last week to win his 10th game, and he followed it up tonight with more mastery. He went seven innings and allowed just two runs on the Shaw home run. He also struck out seven, walked just one and scattered five hits.

I’m glad the Cardinals didn’t trade Gray last offseason and I’m glad they held onto him at the deadline. Granted, it was his call, but it’s always nice to have a guy you can count on to come through for you after a tough loss like last night. He gave the Cardinals exactly what they needed and helped them get to just 3 1/2 back in the Wild Card race. Even if it’s a longshot to make it, it’s always good to see Gray work his magic.

He clearly enjoys pitching at home, and he enjoyed that home cooking tonight.

Pages crucial throw saves game

In addition to his home run, Pages nabbed two base stealers tonight. But the biggest one came in the top of the ninth. Ian Happ walked and was replaced by Jon Berti as a pinch runner. Berti attempted to steal second base and Pages barely nabbed him.

The Cubs ended up challenging the play, and it was revealed that Berti actually beat the throw. But when the cameras zoomed in on Berti’s hand, it was shown that it had come off the bag. Meanwhile, Thomas Saggese’s glove remained on him the whole time.

Cubs fans were cheering in the ballpark, thinking this one was going to go their way, but the call was upheld, which proved to be critical, as Nico Hoerner then picked up a base hit that would have tied the game if Berti was called safe. The Cubs even put another runner on before Romero finally sealed the deal.

But that play was a game saver. Pages’ throw was strong, and Saggese hung tough to keep the tag on Berti.

The Cardinals kick off a series with the Rockies tomorrow night.