Cardinals 3 - White Sox 1 (9/13/2026): Burleson Drives in All Three Runs

Under the scorching heat of Busch Stadium, the St. Louis Cardinals clinched a 3-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox. This win elevated the Cardinals to a record of 73-76, keeping them in the 4th spot in the NL Central. Meanwhile, the White Sox, despite the loss, maintain their lead in the AL Central with a 76-72 record.

The weather was clear and sizzling at 100 degrees, with a gentle breeze blowing out to right field. The game kicked off at 6:37 PM, setting the stage for an intense evening of baseball. Despite the relentless heat, both teams put forth a commendable effort on the field.

Pitchers Duel at Busch

The White Sox took an early lead in the second inning, scoring their only run of the game. However, it was the Cardinals' sixth inning that changed the game's momentum. St. Louis capitalized on this opportunity, scoring three decisive runs and securing the win.

Michael McGreevy was instrumental in keeping the White Sox at bay, pitching six innings and allowing just three hits and one earned run. With six strikeouts under his belt, McGreevy improved his season record to 6-9, showcasing his resilience on the mound.

On the other side, David Sandlin, who took the loss for the White Sox, lasted 5.2 innings. He gave up three runs, albeit none earned, with five strikeouts. Sandlin’s ERA now sits at 6.93, showing room for improvement as the season progresses.

Offensive Highlights

At the plate, Alec Burleson emerged as the game-changer for the Cardinals, driving in all three of their runs. Burleson's double in the sixth inning was the offensive highlight St. Louis needed. His performance boosted his season average to .282, illustrating his reliability in clutch situations.

For the White Sox, Andrew Benintendi stood out, registering one of the team’s four hits and scoring their sole run. Ceddanne Rafaela’s sacrifice fly in the second inning brought in Benintendi for the White Sox’s only RBI.

In total, both teams notched four hits, but it was the Cardinals who made their hits count. With no errors on their side, St. Louis showcased a clean defensive display that was pivotal to their success.

Looking Ahead

As the season enters its final stretch, the Cardinals will look to build on this victory. They remain at home to face the San Francisco Giants in their next series, beginning on September 14th. The Cardinals will aim to close the gap in the standings with more consistent performances.

Meanwhile, the White Sox will head to Progressive Field for a series against the Cleveland Guardians. Maintaining their division lead will be crucial as the postseason approaches. Every game becomes vital as they look to cement their position at the top of the AL Central.

Despite the loss, the White Sox’s road record remains 33-41. With upcoming games against division rivals, their focus will be on improving this aspect. Manager Will Venable will be looking for his team to bounce back quickly from this setback.

In conclusion, the Cardinals' triumph over the White Sox was a testament to their pitching depth and timely hitting. As the season winds down, both teams are poised to make significant pushes, aiming to achieve their postseason aspirations. The heat of September baseball continues to provide compelling narratives across the league.