ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The Cardinals opening series against the Dodgers was always going to be a tough series for the club.
While the club was on the verge of impressively splitting the four game series against the Dodgers, lack of bullpen options heading into Sunday's game ultimately proved costly as the Dodgers would hit two home runs in the eighth inning to steal the final game of the series and take three out of four against the Cardinals.
Voice of the Cardinals John Rooney joined KMOX's Total Information A.M. to discuss the series and while it was tough for the team to lose three out of four against of one of the best teams in baseball, he feels this 2024 team feels already different compared to the 2023 Cardinals, highlighting Saturday's rain-delayed win.
"(The rain delay) was a mess," said Rooney. "Lance Lynn was fortunate to get outs only throwing changeups because the baseball was so slick. (Lynn) showed some grit and determination, loading the bases with nobody out in the first inning and then striking out the side, and the team played off of it. To me, this team is a much different club than we had last year."
The Cardinals will now continue their early season west-coast tour with a trip to San Diego to take on former Cardinals manager Mike Shildt and the new- look Padres at Petco Park. Former Mizzou standout Kyle Gibson will make his Cardinals debut with the Padres set to throw out Matt Waldron against the Cardinals. First pitch is set for 8:40 p.m. Central Time.
