Full Breakdown
Luis Severino's Strong Return Overshadowed by Late Cardinals Rally
9/4/2025, 3:15:37 PM
Game Overview
On Tuesday night, the Oakland Athletics faced off against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium, where the Cardinals emerged victorious with a 2-1 win. The game was characterized by a strong pitching duel, particularly from Athletics starter Luis Severino, who made his return after a month-long absence due to injury.
Luis Severino's Performance
Luis Severino delivered an impressive performance in his first start since August 5. He pitched five scoreless innings, allowing only three hits and one walk while striking out four batters. Severino's outing marked his first scoreless performance since May 17, and he managed to keep the Cardinals off the board despite a workload restriction. His season statistics now stand at a 4.65 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and a 107:45 K:BB ratio over 141.1 innings.
Game Highlights
The Athletics initially took the lead in the third inning when JJ Bleday hit a double and scored on an RBI double from Nick Kurtz. However, the offense struggled to maintain momentum, managing only two additional hits over the next six innings. The turning point came in the sixth inning when the Cardinals capitalized on a leadoff walk issued by reliever Hogan Harris. After a successful bunt and a groundout, Michael Kelly entered the game but surrendered a two-run homer to catcher Ivan Herrera, which ultimately decided the game.
Cardinals' Late Rally
Ivan Herrera's decisive home run in the sixth inning propelled the Cardinals to victory, marking their fourth win in the last six games. St. Louis starter Miles Mikolas also played a crucial role, allowing just one run over six innings while working out of several jams. The Cardinals' bullpen, led by JoJo Romero, secured the win with two scoreless innings, earning Romero his sixth save of the season.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite Severino's strong outing, the Athletics' inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities was a point of contention. The team went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position, stranding key runners throughout the game. This recurring issue has been a significant factor in the Athletics' struggles, as they have now lost four of their last five games.
Official Statements & Responses
Athletics manager Mark Kotsay emphasized the importance of managing Severino's pitch count carefully, stating, "It's more important to keep him healthy long-term than it is to see him pitch an extra inning or two." This sentiment reflects the team's cautious approach following Severino's injury.
What's Next
The Athletics will look to rebound in the series finale against the Cardinals, with left-handers Jeffrey Springs and Matthew Liberatore set to face off. Springs has been a consistent presence in the Athletics' rotation, while Liberatore aims to build on his respectable 4.32 ERA in his first full season as a major league starter.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Severino looked fresh and ready to end his roller coaster season on a high note, and if he wasn’t coming right off of the injured list then there’s no doubt the veteran would have stayed in and kept going.” — Athletics Nation
- “The game was decided by Ivan Herrera’s sixth-inning homer.” — iNews
In summary, while Luis Severino's return was a positive development for the Athletics, the team's ongoing struggles at the plate and in the bullpen continue to hinder their performance as the season progresses.
