MIAMI -- Michael McGreevy continues to capitalize on his opportunities after the Cardinals made him a part of their rotation on July 21.
The 25-year-old right-hander showed again on Tuesday night at loanDepot park why he got this opportunity, pitching six solid innings while allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits in the Cardinals’ 7-4 win over the Marlins.
McGreevy (5-2) has completed six innings in each of his four August starts. He struck out five on Tuesday, while hitting a batter and walking none. He relied heavily on his four-seam fastball and sinker, which he threw a combined 35 times across his 80-pitch outing.
“I’ve given you guys repetitive answers, but it’s sticking to that routine in the big leagues and learning how to be a big leaguer,” McGreevy said when asked about his recent consistency. “Facing big league teams in big league stadiums. Just feeling comfortable with yourself and let yourself know you can play up here and continue to execute when you can.”
The Cardinals gave McGreevy early run support courtesy of Iván Herrera, whose RBI single in the first and two-run single in the second gave St. Louis a 3-0 lead.
Thomas Saggese went 3-for-4 with a sac fly, while Lars Nootbaar and Willson Contreras singled twice for the Cardinals, who finished with 12 hits after collecting 10 in their 8-3 win in the series opener on Monday.
“I liked the overall approach offensively,” said Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol. “Again, we used the whole field ... and it worked out really well.”
One of the runs McGreevy allowed was unearned. After snatching a hard comebacker hit by Agustín Ramírez in the fourth, McGreevy threw errantly to third to try and catch runner Jakob Marsee off the bag. The throw sailed past third baseman Nolan Gorman, allowing Marsee to score.
“Kicked myself in the butt for missing Gorman there,” McGreevy said. “Tried to be too perfect with that throw to third. I thought I did everything right but the throw."
Saggese had his second career three-hit game.
“It’s definitely nice to see some of those drop and contribute to the team,” Saggese said. “It’s a good feeling.”
Of the Cardinals’ 22 hits in the series, only two have been for extra bases -- and both came in the ninth innings. Gorman homered in the opener while Alec Burleson doubled on Tuesday.
“We’re not going to hit a bunch of homers,” Saggese said. “We have to do the little things right. Put a few knocks, move guys over and base run hard.”
The Cardinals' bullpen shut down the Marlins after McGreevy’s departure. Matt Svanson and JoJo Romero followed the rookie with perfect seventh and eighth innings, respectively. Riley O'Brien walked the first two batters, but then got two consecutive strikeouts and a forceout to record his second save of the year.
“It was good to see Riley regroup and not allow the game to speed up after the two walks and get the two punchouts,” Marmol said.
The Cardinals (63-64) will not only attempt to reach .500 on Wednesday in the series finale, but will seek their first series sweep since playing three at Cleveland from June 27-29.
“It’s so much fun to win and build some momentum,” Saggese said. “That’s why you play.”