Tommy Edman, the talented shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals, had a special request from his wife, Kristen, who is pregnant with their first child. For her birthday, she asked for a simple yet significant present: a home run.
Edman, showing his dedication and love, went above and beyond by hitting not one, but two home runs during Saturday night’s game against the Kansas City Royals. This remarkable performance secured a 5-4 victory for the Cardinals at Kauffman Stadium.
A Night to Remember
Edman’s impressive display of “dad strength” marked his first multi-homer game in over two years. “A big part of it was that it’s my wife’s birthday,” Edman said with a smile. “She wasn’t expecting two.”
His first homer was a two-run shot in the second inning, and his second, a 403-foot solo blast in the eighth, sealed the Cardinals’ win. Both home runs were pulled despite Edman’s recent focus on hitting through the middle and opposite field.
Stepping Up After the Trade Deadline
Since the Cardinals traded Paul DeJong to the Blue Jays before the Trade Deadline, Edman has thrived as the team’s everyday shortstop. He has recorded hits in eight of his last ten games, boasting a .351 batting average with seven extra-base hits, including three home runs.
Edman attributed his success to a slight adjustment in his swing, focusing on staying through the middle of the field. This adjustment has paid off, as demonstrated by his stellar performance against the Royals.
Dominating Against Left-Handed Pitching
Edman’s power against left-handed pitchers has been notable. Despite having fewer at-bats against lefties, he has hit the same number of home runs (five) as he has against righties.
His OPS against left-handed pitchers (.833) significantly surpasses his OPS against righties (.696). Both of Edman’s home runs on Saturday came off the only two left-handed pitchers the Royals used, showcasing his ability to drive the ball well from the right side of the plate.
Steven Matz’s Strong Outing
Edman’s exceptional performance at the plate was complemented by Steven Matz’s impressive pitching. Matz delivered his fourth consecutive quality start, allowing only four hits and no walks while striking out five batters over six innings.
This marks the first time Matz has gone at least six innings in four straight starts since joining the Cardinals. His recent form has been crucial for the team, especially following the struggles of veteran pitcher Adam Wainwright and the trades made at the Deadline.
A Promising Future for the Cardinals
In his last seven starts, Matz has posted a 1.86 ERA with a 4-0 record, striking out 38 batters while allowing only 27 hits and seven walks. Matz credited his time in the bullpen for changing his mindset and improving his changeup location. Royals manager Matt Quatraro also praised Matz’s smooth delivery and effective pitching against right-handed batters.
With Matz’s resurgence and Edman’s offensive power, the Cardinals are identifying reliable players for the 2024 season. Edman highlighted the team’s mix of experienced veterans and emerging talents, emphasizing the positive influence of seasoned players like Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado on the younger players.
Conclusion
Tommy Edman’s two-homer performance for his wife’s birthday and Steven Matz’s stellar pitching highlight the Cardinals’ potential as they look towards the future. Edman’s dedication to his family and his team, combined with Matz’s consistent quality starts, provide a solid foundation for the Cardinals as they continue to build their roster for the coming seasons.
