St. Louis, Mo. (KFMO) – The St. Louis Cardinals begin the season 3-0 for the first time since 2006 after a season opening series sweep of the Minnesota Twins.
Opening Day was highlighted by a Lars Nootbaar two-run homer in the second inning, and Nolan Arenado’s solo shot in the eighth in the 5-3 win. Sonny Gray earned the win in five innings of work. He allowed just two runs on four hits and struck out six. Ryan Helsley struck out the side in the ninth for his first save of 2025.
The Cardinals scored another five runs in the second game of the series on Saturday. Ivan Herrara singled in the sixth to score Alec Burleson which broke a 1-1 tie. Nootbaar added a two-run single for good measure and the Red Birds went on to win 5-1. Erik Fedde struck out two and allowed a run on two hits through six innings to get the win.
In the series finale, the Cards offensive onslaught continued with a 9-2 victory. Pedro Pages and Victor Scott II each hit 3-run homers capping off a spurt of eight runs through the first three innings. Nolan Gorman homered in the eighth as well. Andre Palante struck out three and allowed two runs in five innings to get his first win of the year. Steven Matz pitched four innings to get the save.
Nootbaar had four hits, four RBI, a homer, and walked three times in the series, Nolan Arenado was 6-for-11 with a solo homer, and Ivan Herrera was 4-for-7 with an RBI in two games of the series.
The Cardinals (3-0) start a three game series with the Los Angeles Angels on Monday.