The Cardinals seemed to have something extra up their sleeves before Sunday’s series finale against the Dodgers. As fans filled Busch Stadium for the third and final game of the set, a cheeky move caught everyone’s attention. Just before the first pitch, the Cardinals decided to flash a small clip across the center field screen. What appeared there didn’t just stir the crowd; it also opened some old wounds. But for whom?

Well, the clip was from 2014 when the Cardinals’ veteran, Matt Adams, hit a go-ahead home run off Clayton Kershaw during Game 4 of the 2014 NLDS. The same swing that sent the Cardinals to the NLCS and added another painful chapter to Kershaw’s long-documented postseason woes.

You might wonder what’s wrong with relishing some past triumphs. But there’s a kicker! Kershaw just happened to be Sunday’s starting pitcher for the Dodgers. Now you get the context? Yes, that was a calculated move by the Cardinals. Mind games, you see! That’s one way to take your swing before a single pitch is even thrown.

And, it hit the target too, because Kershaw took offense and responded in a no-holds-barred approach. “I think it’s a little bush league, but I don’t expect anything less from these guys,” he said. “So, it’s no worries.”

Bush league? Ahh, that’s a gut punch to the Cardinals, considering they are one of baseball’s most storied, tradition-rich, and widely respected franchises. Yes, the move they made during pre-game was uncalled for, but the Cardinals might be too good for a bush league!

However, the motive of the Cardinals to troll Kershaw after 11 years didn’t result in a positive outcome for them, as Kershaw elevated his performance.

The 3x Cy Young winner showed he’s still got it on Sunday, putting in a solid outing. For starters, he went five strong innings, giving up just one earned run on six hits. What’s more impressive was he didn’t issue a single walk and struck out seven. The game eventually resulted in a 3-7 defeat for the Cardinals.

They might have lost this one, but the Cardinals seem to be making some right moves this season. Currently standing second in the NL Central with a 36-29 record, an October dream is still on for them!

The Cardinals’ quest for a ring

It was last in 2011 when the Cardinals got their World Series ring. Since then, the quest continues. Last year, they lost the postseason berth just on the verge of getting it. Remember the game against the Guardians?

Most notably, their recent back-to-back wins against the Dodgers have pushed the Cardinals within just four games of the NL Central lead. Let’s be very honest here, we didn’t expect the Cardinals to beat the Dodgers with a dominant 5-0 shutout in the first game. Hence, it’s a surprising twist in what many expected to be a transitional year for the Cardinals.

With trade rumors swirling and low preseason expectations hanging over the clubhouse, the Cardinals have flipped the script and become one of the league’s most talked-about teams.

So, who’s been stepping up for the Cardinals during this run?

A big part of the answer lies on the mound. The Cardinals’ resurgence has been fueled by a rock-solid rotation, with Sonny Gray, Miles Mikolas, and Erick Fedde all holding ERAs under 4.00! A few negatives are also there, which they will address in the trade market.

But, for now, the Cardinals are driving the charge in one of baseball’s more surprising turnarounds.