St. Louis Cardinals close series against New York Mets with a loss, 5-4

The New York Mets secured a 5-4 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals in a high-scoring, back-and-forth game at Citi Field. Juan Soto delivered the decisive blow with a two-run homer in the fifth inning after the Cardinals' bullpen faltered, tying the game and later scoring the winning run. The Cardinals jumped ahead early, with Hunter Dobbins surrendering three runs in the first inning, including a solo homer by Burleson and a grand slam by Bichette. St. Louis responded in the second inning with a two-run homer by Winn and a solo shot by Crooks to take a 4-3 lead. The game remained tied at 4-4 entering the fifth inning after both starting pitchers were pulled. Mets reliever Bruihl allowed Soto to score on a baserunning play, tying the score. The Cardinals' offense went silent after the second inning, failing to capitalize on multiple opportunities. Soto added to his strong performance with another home run in the eighth inning, off reliever Romero, sealing the Mets' victory. St. Louis starter Dobbins lasted 4.1 innings, allowing five runs while striking out five batters. The Cardinals' bullpen struggled to contain the Mets' left-handed hitters, particularly Soto, who drove in three runs. The loss dropped the Cardinals to 0-12 in one-run games since the end of the 2022 season, despite a strong offensive start. The Mets' bullpen held firm in the late innings, with Devin Williams closing out the game in the ninth. Soto finished with three runs batted in, including his two home runs, while the Cardinals' offense was stifled after their early rally. The Cardinals will now travel to Minnesota, looking to improve their record as they aim to climb back over .500.