Mets vs St. Louis Cardinals Match Player Stats

The mets vs st. louis cardinals match player stats from April 1, 2026, tell the story of a close, hard-fought Major League Baseball game that required 11 innings to decide. The St. Louis Cardinals defeated the New York Mets 2-1 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, securing a dramatic extra-inning victory and winning the three-game series 2-1. Although both teams recorded five hits, the Cardinals made better use of their scoring opportunities, while the Mets struggled to turn their offensive chances into runs.

The game featured several important individual performances. Juan Soto provided the Mets’ only run with a solo home run in the sixth inning. Matthew Liberatore delivered six solid innings for St. Louis, while Freddy Peralta kept the Cardinals’ offense under control for most of his outing. Masyn Winn ultimately became the decisive player, producing the winning RBI in the bottom of the 11th inning.

The final score does not fully explain how competitive this matchup was. Both pitching staffs limited the opposition to five hits, and the teams remained tied 1-1 after nine innings. The difference came down to situational hitting, bullpen execution, and the Cardinals’ ability to capitalize on a late scoring opportunity.

This breakdown examines the complete batting and pitching performances, important individual statistics, scoring plays, team comparisons, and the factors that determined the result.

Table of Contents

Game Overview: Mets vs. St. Louis Cardinals

The April 1 meeting at Busch Stadium was the third game of the series between New York and St. Louis. Both clubs entered the contest looking to finish the series with a positive result.

The Cardinals eventually earned a 2-1 victory after 11 innings. Their pitching staff held the Mets to one run, and their defense helped preserve the game long enough for the offense to produce the winning score.

Match Information

Match Detail	Information
Sport	Major League Baseball
Away Team	New York Mets
Home Team	St. Louis Cardinals
Match Date	April 1, 2026
Stadium	Busch Stadium
Location	St. Louis, Missouri
Final Score	Mets 1, Cardinals 2
Winning Team	St. Louis Cardinals
Game Length	11 innings
Duration	3 hours, 11 minutes
Attendance	21,684
Mets Hits	5
Cardinals Hits	5
Mets Errors	0
Cardinals Errors	2
Winning Pitcher	Gordon Graceffo
Losing Pitcher	Tobias Myers
ESPN Game ID	401814773

The attendance of 21,684 reflected the crowd that witnessed a tightly contested game. Neither team established a comfortable advantage, making every pitching change and offensive opportunity important.

Final Score and Team Comparison

Statistic	New York Mets	St. Louis Cardinals
Runs	1	2
Hits	5	5
Errors	0	2
At-Bats	38	36
Runs Batted In	1	2
Home Runs	1	0
Walks	4	4
Strikeouts	6	13
Left on Base	11	8
Runners in Scoring Position	0-for-11	2-for-14

These numbers reveal an interesting contrast between the two offenses.

The Mets recorded the same number of hits as St. Louis and struck out fewer times. They also avoided defensive errors. However, New York finished without a hit in 11 opportunities with runners in scoring position.

The Cardinals had more difficulty making consistent contact, recording 13 strikeouts. Nevertheless, they delivered two important run-producing hits and converted their opportunities into the two runs needed to win.

The most important statistical difference was not total hits. It was the ability to produce runs when the situation demanded them.

Mets vs St. Louis Cardinals Match Player Stats: Complete Batting Analysis

Individual batting statistics help explain why the game remained close and how the Cardinals eventually secured the victory.

The Mets received their biggest offensive contribution from Juan Soto, whose sixth-inning home run accounted for their only run. Other players collected singles and doubles, but New York could not produce another scoring play.

St. Louis spread its offensive contributions across several players. JJ Wetherholt scored twice, while Masyn Winn and Nolan Gorman each recorded an RBI.

New York Mets Batting Stats

Player	Position	AB	R	H	RBI	HR	BB	K
Francisco Lindor	SS	4	0	0	0	0	1	0
Juan Soto	LF	5	1	1	1	1	0	1
Bo Bichette	3B	5	0	1	0	0	0	0
Jorge Polanco	DH	4	0	1	0	0	0	0
J. Young	PR-DH	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
Luis Robert Jr.	CF	4	0	1	0	0	1	1
Mark Vientos	1B	2	0	1	0	0	0	0
Brett Baty	PH-1B	3	0	0	0	0	0	0
Marcus Semien	2B	4	0	0	0	0	1	2
Francisco Alvarez	C	3	0	0	0	0	0	1
Tyrone Taylor	RF	2	0	0	0	0	0	0
Carson Benge	PH-RF	2	0	0	0	0	0	1

AB: At-bats, R: Runs, H: Hits, RBI: Runs batted in, HR: Home runs, BB: Walks, K: Strikeouts.

Juan Soto: The Mets’ Most Important Offensive Contributor

Juan Soto delivered the most significant offensive moment for New York.

His sixth-inning solo home run traveled 344 feet to right field and gave the Mets a temporary 1-0 advantage. The home run was especially important because the game had been dominated by pitching and limited offensive production.

Soto finished with:

5 at-bats
1 hit
1 run
1 RBI
1 home run
1 strikeout

His home run demonstrated how one well-timed swing can change the direction of a close baseball game.

Soto was the only Mets player to record an RBI. That fact highlights both his importance and the larger problem facing New York’s offense.

The Mets needed additional contributions from their other hitters to create separation. Although several players reached base or collected hits, the team could not turn those opportunities into another run.

Francisco Lindor: Limited Offensive Production

Francisco Lindor finished without a hit in four at-bats, although he drew one walk.

His final line included:

4 at-bats
0 hits
0 runs
0 RBIs
1 walk
0 strikeouts

Lindor also became involved in an important baserunning moment when Matthew Liberatore picked him off first base.

That play mattered because baserunning mistakes can remove potential scoring opportunities without requiring the opposing pitcher to record a strikeout or a conventional out at the plate.

Lindor’s performance illustrates why evaluating a hitter requires more than looking at batting average or total hits. Plate discipline, baserunning decisions, and the ability to create pressure also influence a team’s offensive chances.

Bo Bichette: A Hit Without a Run

Bo Bichette recorded one hit in five at-bats.

His final statistics were:

5 at-bats
1 hit
0 runs
0 RBIs
0 walks
0 strikeouts

Bichette made contact without striking out, but his offensive contribution did not produce a run.

In a game decided by one run, this distinction is important. A base hit has value, but its impact becomes greater when it advances a runner or contributes directly to the scoreboard.

Jorge Polanco: A Useful Contribution

Jorge Polanco collected one hit in four at-bats.

He also recorded two doubles during the game according to the additional statistics supplied with the box score.

His ability to produce extra-base hits gave New York another potential source of offense beyond Soto’s home run.

However, the Mets could not consistently connect their individual batting performances into productive innings.

Luis Robert Jr. and Mark Vientos

Luis Robert Jr. finished with one hit in four at-bats and also drew one walk.

His final line included:

4 at-bats
1 hit
0 runs
0 RBIs
1 walk
1 strikeout

Mark Vientos also recorded a hit, finishing with one hit in two at-bats. He added a double to the Mets’ offensive production.

Both players contributed to the team’s five-hit total, but neither recorded an RBI.

Marcus Semien and Francisco Alvarez

Marcus Semien went hitless in four at-bats but reached base once through a walk. He struck out twice.

Francisco Alvarez finished with three at-bats, no hits, and one strikeout.

Their performances were part of a wider offensive issue. The Mets needed more production from the lineup, especially when runners reached scoring position.

Overall Mets Offensive Assessment

New York’s offense was not completely ineffective. The team collected five hits, drew four walks, and recorded fewer strikeouts than St. Louis.

However, the most damaging statistic was its 0-for-11 performance with runners in scoring position.

That figure indicates that the Mets repeatedly failed to deliver a hit that could bring a runner home in a scoring situation.

The offense produced one memorable moment through Soto, but it lacked the additional timely hitting needed to win.

St. Louis Cardinals Batting Stats

The Cardinals produced five hits and two runs. Their offensive performance was not built around a home run. Instead, they relied on individual contributions, baserunning, and timely contact.

JJ Wetherholt scored twice, while Masyn Winn and Nolan Gorman supplied the RBIs.

Complete Cardinals Hitting Statistics

Player	Position	AB	R	H	RBI	HR	BB	K
JJ Wetherholt	2B	5	2	1	0	0	0	2
Iván Herrera	DH	3	0	1	0	0	2	1
Alec Burleson	1B	5	0	0	0	0	0	1
Masyn Winn	SS	4	0	1	1	0	1	1
Nolan Gorman	3B	3	0	1	1	0	1	0
Thomas Saggese	LF	4	0	1	0	0	0	2
Nathan Church	RF	2	0	0	0	0	0	0
Jordan Walker	PH-RF	2	0	0	0	0	0	2
Pedro Pagés	C	4	0	0	0	0	0	3
Victor Scott II	CF	4	0	0	0	0	0	1

JJ Wetherholt: A Key Figure in the Cardinals’ Victory

JJ Wetherholt was one of the most influential players for St. Louis.

He finished with five at-bats, one hit, and two runs scored.

His statistics included:

5 at-bats
1 hit
2 runs
0 RBIs
0 home runs
2 strikeouts

Although Wetherholt did not record an RBI, his ability to reach base and score twice made him central to the Cardinals’ offensive success.

He scored the tying run in the sixth inning after Nolan Gorman delivered a single. He later scored the winning run in the 11th inning on Masyn Winn’s infield single.

This is a useful example of why run production and RBI totals should not be treated as identical measurements. A player can make a major contribution to the scoreboard by getting on base and advancing into scoring position, even without driving a runner home himself.

Masyn Winn: The Winning RBI

Masyn Winn delivered the decisive offensive play in the bottom of the 11th inning.

His infield single to second base allowed JJ Wetherholt to score, giving St. Louis a 2-1 victory.

Winn finished with:

4 at-bats
1 hit
0 runs
1 RBI
0 home runs
1 walk
1 strikeout
1 stolen base

The winning hit was not a home run or a powerful extra-base hit. It was a productive piece of contact at the moment when the Cardinals needed it most.

Winn’s performance demonstrates an important feature of close baseball games: the most valuable offensive play is not always the most spectacular one.

His ability to put the ball in play and bring home the runner decided the contest.

Nolan Gorman: The Sixth-Inning Equalizer

Nolan Gorman played an important role in keeping St. Louis in the game.

During the sixth inning, he singled to center field, bringing JJ Wetherholt home and helping the Cardinals tie the score at 1-1.

His batting statistics were:

3 at-bats
1 hit
0 runs
1 RBI
0 home runs
1 walk
0 strikeouts

Gorman’s contribution was important because the Cardinals had fallen behind after Soto’s home run.

Rather than allowing the Mets to build momentum, St. Louis responded immediately with a run-producing hit.

Iván Herrera: Patience at the Plate

Iván Herrera finished with one hit in three at-bats and drew two walks.

His statistics included:

3 at-bats
1 hit
0 runs
0 RBIs
2 walks
1 strikeout

Herrera’s two walks were particularly useful in a game where scoring opportunities were limited.

Drawing a walk allows a batter to reach base without recording a hit. It also forces pitchers to work through additional hitters and can create pressure on the defense.

His ability to reach base helped the Cardinals maintain offensive opportunities even when their batting average for the game was limited.

Thomas Saggese and Other Cardinals Hitters

Thomas Saggese recorded one hit in four at-bats and struck out twice.

Alec Burleson went hitless in five at-bats, while Nathan Church finished without a hit in two at-bats.

Jordan Walker appeared as a pinch hitter and later played right field. He finished with two at-bats and two strikeouts.

Pedro Pagés went hitless in four at-bats and struck out three times. Victor Scott II also failed to collect a hit in four at-bats.

These performances show that the Cardinals did not dominate offensively. Several players struggled to make productive contact, but the team still found enough offense to win.

Overall Cardinals Offensive Assessment

St. Louis succeeded because its hitters delivered at the right moments.

The team recorded:

5 hits
2 runs
2 RBIs
4 walks
13 strikeouts
8 runners left on base
A 2-for-14 record with runners in scoring position

The Cardinals did not need a large number of hits to win. They needed two productive moments, and Gorman and Winn provided them.

New York Mets Pitching Stats

Pitching was one of the strongest aspects of New York’s performance.

The Mets limited St. Louis to five hits and two runs across 11 innings. Their pitchers also combined for 13 strikeouts, showing their ability to generate swings and misses throughout the game.

Complete Mets Pitching Statistics

Pitcher	IP	H	R	ER	BB	K	HR
Freddy Peralta	5.1	3	1	1	2	7	0
H. Brazobán	0.2	1	0	0	0	1	0
Brooks Raley	1.0	0	0	0	0	2	0
Luke Weaver	1.0	0	0	0	0	1	0
Devin Williams	1.0	0	0	0	1	1	0
Tobias Myers	1.2	1	1	0	1	1	0
Team Total	10.2	5	2	1	4	13	0

IP: Innings pitched, H: Hits allowed, R: Runs allowed, ER: Earned runs, BB: Walks, K: Strikeouts, HR: Home runs allowed.

Freddy Peralta: Strong Starting Performance

Freddy Peralta delivered one of the most important pitching performances for New York.

He worked 5.1 innings, allowed three hits, and gave up one earned run. He also recorded seven strikeouts and two walks.

His final line was:

5.1 innings pitched
3 hits allowed
1 run allowed
1 earned run
2 walks
7 strikeouts
0 home runs allowed

Peralta’s seven strikeouts represented the highest individual total among Mets pitchers.

He limited the Cardinals’ offense for most of his appearance and gave the Mets an opportunity to remain competitive.

His pitching game score was 63, according to the supplied statistics. That figure tied the highest game score recorded by either starting pitcher in this matchup.

The main takeaway is that Peralta performed well enough to put New York in a position to win. The final defeat was not simply the result of a poor starting pitching performance.

H. Brazobán: A Short Relief Appearance

Brazobán pitched 0.2 innings.

He allowed one hit but did not give up a run. He recorded one strikeout and did not issue a walk.

His contribution helped New York move from the starting pitcher to the next bullpen options without allowing the Cardinals to increase their lead.

Brooks Raley: Effective Bullpen Work

Brooks Raley delivered one of the Mets’ most efficient relief appearances.

He pitched one inning without allowing a hit, run, or walk. He also recorded two strikeouts.

This was an important performance because Raley prevented St. Louis from building momentum after the teams exchanged runs.

Luke Weaver and Devin Williams

Luke Weaver pitched one scoreless inning and allowed no hits or walks. He recorded one strikeout.

Devin Williams also worked one inning without allowing a hit or a run. He struck out one batter but issued one walk.

Both relievers helped keep the score tied and extended the contest into extra innings.

Tobias Myers: The Losing Pitcher

Tobias Myers received the loss after allowing the decisive run in the 11th inning.

His final pitching line was:

1.2 innings pitched
1 hit allowed
1 run allowed
0 earned runs
1 walk
1 strikeout
0 home runs allowed

The distinction between runs and earned runs is important here.

Myers allowed one run, but the box score credited him with zero earned runs. A run can be classified as unearned when defensive errors or other qualifying circumstances contribute to the scoring sequence.

His record became 0-1 following the defeat.

Although Myers was credited with the loss, his outing should be evaluated in the context of the entire game. He was responsible for the final pitching sequence, but the Mets’ inability to score more than once was also a major factor in the result.

St. Louis Cardinals Pitching Stats

The Cardinals’ pitching staff produced an equally important performance.

Their pitchers allowed five hits and one earned run over 11 innings. They also combined for six strikeouts and four walks.

The bullpen deserves particular attention because it kept the Mets from scoring after the sixth inning.

Complete Cardinals Pitching Statistics

Pitcher	IP	H	R	ER	BB	K	HR
Matthew Liberatore	6.0	3	1	1	1	2	1
Ryan Stanek	0.2	1	0	0	0	1	0
JoJo Romero	1.1	0	0	0	0	1	0
Riley O’Brien	1.0	1	0	0	0	2	0
John Bruihl	1.0	0	0	0	1	0	0
Chris Roycroft	0.1	0	0	0	2	0	0
Gordon Graceffo	0.2	0	0	0	0	0	0
Team Total	11.0	5	1	1	4	6	1

Matthew Liberatore: A Reliable Starting Pitcher

Matthew Liberatore delivered six innings of work for St. Louis.

He allowed three hits and one earned run while recording two strikeouts and one walk.

His final statistics were:

6.0 innings pitched
3 hits allowed
1 run allowed
1 earned run
1 walk
2 strikeouts
1 home run allowed

Liberatore’s biggest challenge came in the sixth inning when Juan Soto hit a solo home run.

Despite that setback, he did not allow the Mets to build a larger advantage.

His pitching game score was 63, matching Peralta’s mark. This comparison illustrates how closely matched the starting pitchers were.

Both starters allowed three hits and one earned run. The difference in strikeouts favored Peralta, but Liberatore provided six innings of stability and kept St. Louis within reach.

Ryan Stanek: Keeping the Game Close

Ryan Stanek pitched 0.2 innings, allowing one hit without giving up a run.

He recorded one strikeout and did not issue a walk.

His appearance helped the Cardinals avoid a larger deficit and transition into the next part of their bullpen plan.

JoJo Romero: Important Middle Relief

JoJo Romero pitched 1.1 innings without allowing a hit or a run.

He also avoided walks and recorded one strikeout.

His performance was important because the Mets were unable to create a scoring opportunity during his appearance.

Riley O’Brien: Two Important Strikeouts

Riley O’Brien pitched one inning, allowed one hit, and recorded two strikeouts.

He did not surrender a run or issue a walk.

In an extra-inning game, this type of relief performance can be especially valuable. Every scoreless inning gives the offense another chance to produce the winning run.

John Bruihl and Chris Roycroft

John Bruihl worked one scoreless inning, allowing no hits and recording one walk.

Chris Roycroft pitched one-third of an inning. He did not allow a hit or run but issued two walks.

Roycroft’s appearance created some pressure for St. Louis because walks can put additional runners on base even when a pitcher avoids allowing hits.

The Cardinals eventually worked through the situation and maintained the tie.

Gordon Graceffo: The Winning Pitcher

Gordon Graceffo received the win after recording the final two outs of the 11th inning.

His statistics were:

0.2 innings pitched
0 hits allowed
0 runs allowed
0 earned runs
0 walks
0 strikeouts

Graceffo’s contribution was brief but important. He completed the defensive work needed to preserve the Cardinals’ lead.

He improved his record to 1-0.

The winning pitcher does not always have the longest or most dominant outing. In this case, Graceffo earned the decision by completing a scoreless relief appearance during the decisive extra inning.

Complete Scoring Summary: How the Game Was Decided

The scoring sequence explains why this contest remained competitive for so long.

Only three scoring events determined the final result: Soto’s home run, Gorman’s RBI single, and Winn’s winning infield single.

Sixth Inning: Juan Soto Gives New York the Lead

The Mets finally broke through in the sixth inning.

Juan Soto hit a solo home run to right field, sending the ball 344 feet and giving New York a 1-0 advantage.

The home run was the only time the Mets crossed home plate.

It also gave the visitors a chance to control the game through pitching and defense.

Sixth Inning: Nolan Gorman Ties the Score

The Cardinals responded during the same inning.

Nolan Gorman singled to center field, scoring JJ Wetherholt and bringing the game level at 1-1.

This response was important because it prevented the Mets from carrying their lead into the later innings.

The Cardinals showed that they could produce offense without relying on a home run.

Seventh Through Ninth Innings: Pitching Takes Control

Neither team scored during the next three innings.

The bullpens limited opposing hitters and prevented the game from producing another run.

The Mets received useful relief appearances from Brooks Raley, Luke Weaver, and Devin Williams.

St. Louis received scoreless work from its bullpen as well.

The teams entered the 10th inning tied 1-1.

Tenth Inning: No Winning Run

The 10th inning did not produce a decisive score.

Both teams continued to search for a way to break the tie, but neither offense managed to finish the game.

This increased the importance of the 11th inning, when another scoring opportunity could decide the contest.

Eleventh Inning: Masyn Winn Delivers the Winning Hit

The Cardinals finally secured the victory in the bottom of the 11th.

Masyn Winn reached on an infield single to second base, scoring JJ Wetherholt.

The play gave St. Louis a 2-1 lead and ended the game.

Winn’s hit became the decisive moment of the contest, while Wetherholt’s second run of the game proved to be the difference.

Inning-by-Inning Score

Inning	New York Mets	St. Louis Cardinals
1	0	0
2	0	0
3	0	0
4	0	0
5	0	0
6	1	1
7	0	0
8	0	0
9	0	0
10	0	0
11	0	1
Final	1	2

The game remained tied for several innings after the sixth-inning exchange. St. Louis finally found the winning run in the 11th.

Five Major Statistical Factors Behind the Cardinals’ Victory

The final result can be understood by examining several important statistical areas rather than focusing only on the score.

1. Situational Hitting Made the Difference

The Mets went 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position.

The Cardinals went 2-for-14.

Although neither team produced a large number of hits, St. Louis was more effective when runners had an opportunity to score.

This difference was central to the result.

A team can collect several hits without winning if those hits occur with empty bases or fail to advance runners. Conversely, a small number of well-timed hits can decide a close game.

2. The Cardinals Scored Without Hitting a Home Run

The Mets received their only run through Soto’s home run.

The Cardinals did not hit a home run but still scored twice.

Gorman’s sixth-inning single and Winn’s 11th-inning single supplied the necessary production.

This demonstrates why home runs are not the only measure of offensive quality. Singles, baserunning, and situational execution can be just as important in a close contest.

3. The Mets Left More Runners on Base

New York left 11 runners on base, compared with eight for St. Louis.

That difference indicates that the Mets had opportunities to score but did not complete enough offensive sequences.

Leaving runners on base is not automatically a sign of poor hitting. It can also reflect strong opposing pitching. However, the Mets’ 0-for-11 performance with runners in scoring position makes this statistic particularly relevant.

4. New York Recorded More Strikeouts

The Mets pitching staff recorded 13 strikeouts, compared with six for the Cardinals.

That advantage helped New York keep the Cardinals’ offense under pressure.

However, strikeouts alone do not determine the outcome of a game.

The Cardinals managed to put the ball in play at important moments and produced the two RBIs that mattered most.

5. The Cardinals Overcame Defensive Errors

St. Louis committed two errors, while New York finished without an error.

Despite those defensive mistakes, the Cardinals managed to keep the Mets at one run.

This is an important part of the final result because the Cardinals did not win through flawless defense. Their pitching staff recovered from mistakes and prevented the opposition from taking advantage of them.

Head-to-Head Player Comparisons

Comparing players from both teams helps identify the most influential individual performances.

Juan Soto vs. Masyn Winn

Statistic	Juan Soto	Masyn Winn
At-Bats	5	4
Hits	1	1
Runs	1	0
RBIs	1	1
Home Runs	1	0
Walks	0	1
Strikeouts	1	1

Soto delivered the most powerful individual hit of the game with his home run.

Winn delivered the most important situational hit with his 11th-inning single.

Both players recorded one RBI, but Winn’s RBI directly produced the winning run.

Freddy Peralta vs. Matthew Liberatore

Statistic	Freddy Peralta	Matthew Liberatore
Innings	5.1	6.0
Hits Allowed	3	3
Runs Allowed	1	1
Earned Runs	1	1
Walks	2	1
Strikeouts	7	2
Home Runs Allowed	0	1
Game Score	63	63

Peralta had the advantage in strikeouts, recording seven compared with Liberatore’s two.

Liberatore worked longer and issued fewer walks.

Both starters allowed one earned run, and both received a game score of 63.

Their performances were remarkably similar in terms of run prevention, even though they used different approaches.

JJ Wetherholt vs. Francisco Lindor

Statistic	JJ Wetherholt	Francisco Lindor
At-Bats	5	4
Hits	1	0
Runs	2	0
RBIs	0	0
Walks	0	1
Strikeouts	2	0

Wetherholt’s two runs made him one of the most important offensive contributors for St. Louis.

Lindor drew a walk but could not record a hit or score.

The comparison demonstrates how a player’s value in a single game can depend on the opportunities created by teammates and the ability to advance around the bases.

Bullpen Performance: Which Team Had the Advantage?

Both teams relied heavily on their relief pitchers after the starters completed their work.

The Mets bullpen allowed one run across the remaining innings, while the Cardinals bullpen preserved the 1-1 tie before securing the extra-inning victory.

New York’s relievers recorded several strikeouts and limited St. Louis to a small number of hits.

St. Louis, meanwhile, received scoreless contributions from multiple pitchers.

Mets Bullpen Strengths

The strongest aspects of the Mets’ relief performance included:

Brooks Raley’s two strikeouts in one scoreless inning.
Luke Weaver’s hitless inning.
Devin Williams’ ability to keep St. Louis off the scoreboard.
The bullpen’s overall contribution to extending the game.

The Mets’ relievers helped give their offense opportunities to win.

Cardinals Bullpen Strengths

The Cardinals’ relief group also produced several important performances:

JoJo Romero allowed no hits in 1.1 innings.
Riley O’Brien recorded two strikeouts.
John Bruihl completed a scoreless inning.
Gordon Graceffo finished the game without allowing a hit or run.

The Cardinals’ ability to keep the Mets from scoring after the sixth inning was one of the biggest reasons they remained in contention.

The overall pitching comparison was close. New York recorded more strikeouts, but St. Louis completed 11 scoreless defensive innings after allowing the Mets’ sixth-inning run.

Baserunning and Defensive Contributions

Baseball games are influenced by more than batting and pitching. Defensive execution and baserunning can also create or eliminate scoring opportunities.

This matchup included several plays that deserve attention.

Masyn Winn’s Stolen Base

Masyn Winn recorded one stolen base.

His speed added another dimension to the Cardinals’ offense and helped create pressure on the Mets’ defense.

Stolen bases can be especially useful in low-scoring games because advancing a runner from first to second can put a hitter in a better position to drive in a run.

Lindor Picked Off First Base

Francisco Lindor was picked off first base by Matthew Liberatore.

This was a notable defensive play for St. Louis.

A pickoff removes a baserunner without requiring a conventional strikeout or a hit into the field. It can also interrupt offensive momentum.

Cardinals Defensive Errors

St. Louis recorded two errors.

The reported errors involved Nolan Gorman’s fielding and catcher’s interference involving Pedro Pagés.

Despite these mistakes, the Cardinals’ pitching staff limited the Mets to one run.

Mets Defensive Performance

New York committed no errors.

The Mets also recorded one double play involving Marcus Semien, Francisco Lindor, and Brett Baty.

That defensive sequence helped the team limit the Cardinals’ offensive opportunities.

What the Statistics Reveal About Both Teams

The box score provides several useful lessons about the performances of both clubs.

What the Mets Did Well

New York had several positive statistical indicators:

The team collected five hits.
Juan Soto delivered a home run and an RBI.
The pitching staff recorded 13 strikeouts.
Freddy Peralta allowed only one earned run.
The defense finished without an error.
The bullpen kept the game competitive through extra innings.

These numbers indicate that the Mets had enough pitching and defensive production to remain in the game.

What the Mets Needed to Improve

The biggest weakness was offensive execution with runners in scoring position.

The Mets went 0-for-11 in those situations and left 11 runners on base.

The team needed another productive hit to support Soto’s home run.

A more effective approach with runners on base could have changed the final score.

What the Cardinals Did Well

St. Louis demonstrated several important strengths:

The team collected five hits.
Nolan Gorman tied the game with an RBI single.
Masyn Winn delivered the winning RBI.
JJ Wetherholt scored twice.
Matthew Liberatore completed six innings.
The bullpen kept the Mets from scoring after the sixth inning.

The Cardinals showed patience and resilience despite their strikeout total and defensive errors.

What the Cardinals Could Improve

The Cardinals recorded 13 strikeouts, which was more than double the Mets’ total.

They also committed two errors.

Although neither issue prevented a victory, reducing strikeouts and improving defensive consistency would help the team avoid unnecessary pressure in future games.

Series Result: Cardinals Win 2-1

The April 1 game completed the three-game series between the Mets and Cardinals.

St. Louis won two of the three meetings.

Game	Result	Winner
Game 1	Mets 4, Cardinals 2	New York Mets
Game 2	Mets 0, Cardinals 3	St. Louis Cardinals
Game 3	Mets 1, Cardinals 2 (11 innings)	St. Louis Cardinals
Series Result	2-1	St. Louis Cardinals

The Mets opened the series with a 4-2 victory.

St. Louis responded with a 3-0 shutout in the second game before winning the final contest 2-1 in 11 innings.

The Cardinals therefore finished the series with two consecutive victories.

Team Records After the Game

According to the supplied game data:

Team	Overall Record	Home/Away Record
New York Mets	3-3	1-2 Away
St. Louis Cardinals	4-2	4-2 Home

The Cardinals finished the series with a winning record, while the Mets ended the three-game set below .500.

How to Read Baseball Player Statistics From This Match

Understanding the numbers behind a baseball game requires more than checking hits, runs, and strikeouts. Several statistics provide additional context about individual performance and team efficiency.

Batting Average

Batting average measures how frequently a player records a hit in an official at-bat.

It is calculated by dividing hits by at-bats.

For example, Juan Soto recorded one hit in five at-bats, giving him a .200 batting average for this game.

Batting average is useful for evaluating contact production, but it does not measure every aspect of offensive performance. Walks, home runs, and extra-base hits provide additional information.

Runs Batted In

Runs batted in measure how many runs a hitter helps produce through an offensive plate appearance, subject to official scoring rules.

Soto, Gorman, and Winn each recorded one RBI.

Their contributions came through different types of hits:

Soto produced a solo home run.
Gorman delivered a run-scoring single.
Winn produced the winning infield single.

Earned Runs and Unearned Runs

Earned runs are runs that are charged to a pitcher under official scoring rules without being the result of qualifying defensive errors or passed balls.

Tobias Myers allowed one run but received no earned runs in his pitching line.

This distinction matters because earned runs are used when calculating earned run average.

Innings Pitched

Innings pitched measure how many outs a pitcher records.

Baseball uses a notation that can sometimes confuse readers.

For example:

5.1 means five innings and one out.
5.2 means five innings and two outs.
6.0 means six complete innings.

Therefore, 10.2 innings means 10 innings and two outs, not 10.2 decimal innings.

This is particularly important when evaluating the Mets’ pitching totals in an 11-inning game.

Strikeouts

Strikeouts measure how many batters a pitcher retires through a strike-three result.

Freddy Peralta led the Mets with seven strikeouts. On the Cardinals’ side, Riley O’Brien recorded two strikeouts in one inning.

Strikeouts are an important measure of a pitcher’s ability to retire hitters without depending on defensive fielders to record the out.

However, groundouts, flyouts, and other forms of contact also contribute to successful pitching performances.

WHIP

WHIP stands for walks plus hits per inning pitched.

It provides a basic measure of how frequently a pitcher allows opposing hitters to reach base through hits and walks.

The formula is:

WHIP = (Walks + Hits Allowed) / Innings Pitched

This statistic can help compare pitchers who work different numbers of innings.

However, it should not be treated as a complete measure of pitching quality because it does not directly account for home runs, hit batters, or the overall quality of contact.

Important Lessons From This 11-Inning Game

The contest between New York and St. Louis provides several useful examples of how individual statistics connect to team results.

First, offensive efficiency can be more important than total hits. Both clubs recorded five hits, but St. Louis produced two runs while New York managed only one.

Second, starting pitching can keep a team competitive without guaranteeing a victory. Peralta and Liberatore both allowed one earned run, yet the final decision came down to bullpen work and late-inning offense.

Third, a player’s contribution cannot always be understood through RBIs alone. Wetherholt scored twice without recording an RBI. His ability to reach scoring position and cross home plate was essential to the Cardinals’ success.

Finally, extra innings reward teams that remain patient. The Cardinals continued creating opportunities and eventually found the hit that decided the game.

These are useful points to consider when evaluating future MLB matchups. Looking beyond the final score provides a much clearer understanding of why a team won or lost.

Official Box Score and Statistical Reference

Readers looking for the original game information can consult the ESPN Cardinals vs. Mets April 1, 2026 box score.

The supplied statistics include the batting lines, pitching performances, scoring summary, game information, and additional team statistics.

For accurate analysis, it is important to distinguish between statistics explicitly provided in the box score and measurements calculated separately. For example, the supplied data does not specify either team’s ERA, so no unsupported team ERA figures are included here.

The same approach should be followed when comparing individual players. A single game’s statistics provide useful evidence about that particular performance, but they should not be treated as proof of a player’s long-term ability or season-wide production.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who won the Mets vs. St. Louis Cardinals game on April 1, 2026?

The St. Louis Cardinals defeated the New York Mets 2-1 in 11 innings at Busch Stadium. Masyn Winn delivered the winning RBI with an infield single in the bottom of the 11th inning.

2. How many hits did the Mets and Cardinals record?

Both teams recorded five hits. The Mets scored one run, while the Cardinals scored two runs to secure the victory.

3. Who hit a home run for the New York Mets?

Juan Soto hit the only home run of the game. His solo home run traveled 344 feet to right field in the sixth inning and gave New York a temporary 1-0 lead.

4. Who recorded the winning RBI for the Cardinals?

Masyn Winn recorded the winning RBI in the 11th inning. His infield single scored JJ Wetherholt and gave St. Louis a 2-1 victory.

5. Who were the winning and losing pitchers?

Gordon Graceffo received the win for St. Louis, improving his record to 1-0. Tobias Myers received the loss for New York, falling to 0-1.

6. How did the Mets perform with runners in scoring position?

The Mets went 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position. This was a major factor in their inability to score more than one run despite collecting five hits and four walks.

Conclusion

The April 1, 2026 matchup between the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals was a close contest decided by timely hitting and effective relief pitching. St. Louis secured a 2-1 victory in 11 innings despite both teams recording five hits.

Juan Soto provided the Mets’ only run with a sixth-inning home run, while Freddy Peralta delivered an impressive starting performance with seven strikeouts. Matthew Liberatore matched him with six innings and one earned run allowed.

For the Cardinals, Nolan Gorman supplied the tying RBI, JJ Wetherholt scored twice, and Masyn Winn delivered the decisive hit in the 11th inning. Gordon Graceffo completed the final defensive work to earn the winning decision.

The most revealing statistics were the Mets’ 0-for-11 performance with runners in scoring position and the Cardinals’ ability to produce two runs from their limited offensive opportunities. New York also left 11 runners on base, while St. Louis left eight.

Ultimately, the mets vs st. louis cardinals match player stats show that this game was not decided by a major advantage in hits, strikeouts, or starting pitching. It was decided by execution at the most important moments. The Cardinals converted their opportunities, protected the tie, and finished the series with a 2-1 victory.