'Locked in' Goldy finishes hot series strong

NEW YORK -- Paul Goldschmidt is red hot. On Thursday afternoon against the Mets at Citi Field, Goldschmidt was nearly lethal, going 3-for 4 and driving in four runs in a 7-6 loss in 10 innings. The Cardinals ended up losing the series, 3-1.

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During the four-game set against the Mets, Goldschmidt was St. Louis’ hottest hitter, going 8-for 18 [.444] with two home runs and seven RBIs. Overall, he is hitting .329 with six home runs and 27 RBIs, which is only four behind teammate Nolan Arenado.

“I’m having good at-bats, swinging at the right pitches. Hopefully, I can keep it going,” Goldschmidt said. “We have to play a little more consistent. We lost a couple of close games. We’ve [also] won some close ones. There is a long season to go. [We’ve] done OK, [but] we can play better.”

His biggest at-bat in Thursday's game came in the ninth inning. The Cardinals were down, 5-4, and Goldschmidt was down to his last strike of the game against closer Edwin Díaz. But Goldschmidt was able to get an infield single, allowing Harrison Bader to score the tying run.

“Goldy has done a nice job,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said. “He is locked in. He is hitting the ball well. He is confident at the plate. Gosh, he is just using the whole field. It doesn’t matter what you throw him, he is putting the barrel on it.”

An inning later, Albert Pujols hit into a double play off right-hander Colin Holderman, but pinch-runner Corey Dickerson scored on the play to give St. Louis the one-run lead.

The Mets ended up winning the game in the bottom of the 10th inning, when New York first baseman Pete Alonso hit a walk-off two-run homer off closer Giovanny Gallegos.

Pitchers must get better
After the game, Marmol said he wanted to see his starters go deeper in games. For example, Dakota Hudson went only 4 2/3 innings on Thursday and the pace of the game was slow. During the four-game series against New York, only right-hander Miles Mikolas gave St. Louis at least six innings.

It also didn't help that the bullpen was inconsistent during the set at Citi Field. Cardinals relievers allowed 12 runs in 14 1/3 innings.

“The pace of today’s game wasn’t really pleasant, to be honest with you,” Marmol said. “It was a little slow. We have to engage our defense a little more. Honestly, there will be some reshuffling of that bullpen and [we will] see who can get outs.”