Full Breakdown
Braves Edge Cardinals 4-3 on Ninth-Inning Error to Avoid Sweep
7/13/2026, 12:42:54 PM
Game Summary
On Sunday, July 13, 2026, the Atlanta Braves defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 4–3 at Busch Stadium, preventing a series sweep. The decisive moment came in the ninth inning when Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn, the 2025 Gold Glove winner, threw a wild ball to first base, allowing Ozzie Albies to score the go-ahead run. The Braves’ relief pitcher Raisel Iglesias closed the game with a perfect ninth for his 19th save.
Key Plays and Player Contributions
- Ninth Inning: JoJo Romero (1-3) entered for St. Louis, yielding a one-out double to Albies. After Matt Olson’s groundout moved Albies to third, Romero hit Michael Harris II with a pitch, prompting manager Oliver Marmol’s ejection. Mauricio Dubón’s subsequent grounder resulted in Albies scoring on Winn’s error.
- Earlier Scoring: Brewer Hicklen delivered his first major-league extra-base hit and RBI with a sixth-inning double that extended Atlanta’s lead to 3–1. José Fermín’s two-run single in the sixth tied the game for St. Louis.
- Pitching: Tyler Kinley (5-3) earned the win, striking out Winn in the eighth. Dustin May (Cardinals) lasted four innings, issuing four walks and allowing two runs.
Managerial Actions
Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol was ejected after a failed challenge on Romero’s hit-by-pitch to Harris, marking his 23rd career ejection—tied for second most among Cardinals managers behind Tony La Russa. The ejection occurred with two outs in the ninth, leaving the Cardinals without a manager on the field for the final defensive play.
Immediate Impact and Upcoming Schedule
The victory gives Atlanta a 2–1 edge in the three-game series and initiates a seven-game home homestand beginning Friday against the Texas Rangers. St. Louis heads to a six-game road trip starting Friday in Arizona after dropping six of its last nine games.
Notable Milestones
- Brewer Hicklen recorded his first major-league RBI and extra-base hit.
- Raisel Iglesias improved to 19 saves in 20 attempts.
- Oliver Marmol’s ejection ties him with Whitey Herzog and Roger Bresnahan for second-most career ejections among Cardinals managers.
