Yankees Sweep Cardinals Behind Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt

By Oliver Wiener August 19, 2025 06:17

The New York Yankees completed a vital three-game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium, with a strong showing from Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt leading the way in an 8-4 victory on Sunday, August 17, 2025. The win not only underscored the Yankees’ resilience during a critical stretch of the season but also tightened their grip on a wild-card spot in the fiercely competitive American League East.

Cody Bellinger was pivotal throughout the series, driving in three key runs in the finale and delivering a clutch sacrifice fly in the seventh to tie the game at 4-4. Bellinger’s timely hitting was complemented by his sharp defensive play and overall presence in the lineup. On the other hand, Paul Goldschmidt, facing his former team, displayed a masterful performance with three hits, including two doubles and a run scored. His veteran savvy and ability to stay calm under pressure were defining factors in the Yankees’ late-inning surge.

The game witnessed a dramatic ninth inning where the Yankees capitalized on Cardinals' defensive miscues, particularly from second baseman Thomas Saggese, who committed two costly errors. After a leadoff walk and a passed ball allowed José Caballero to reach third, Bellinger’s grounder got past Saggese, scoring two runs and shifting the momentum decisively in New York's favor. Following this, Aaron Judge scored on a fielder’s choice, and Goldschmidt’s second double of the game drove in the final run, sealing the 8-4 victory.

Manager Aaron Boone praised the team’s grit, noting, “We’ve been through some tough stretches, but the belief never left this clubhouse. Performances like these prove we’re capable of competing with anyone. This sweep gives us momentum, and we need to carry it forward”.

The Yankees’ offense got off to a solid start with a three-run fourth inning marked by run-scoring singles from Jasson Domínguez, Ryan McMahon, and José Caballero. Although the Cardinals rallied with two unearned runs by Saggese and an RBI from Alec Burleson, the Yankees stayed composed, showcasing depth and patience at the plate.

The win marked New York’s fifth victory in six games and came amid a challenging schedule. It also moved the Yankees to 67-57 on the season, only half a game behind the Blue Jays for second place and creeping closer to the Red Sox at the top of the division. The victory was especially sweet against a Cardinals team that had struggled defensively, ending the series with six losses to the Yankees this season.

Paul Goldschmidt’s connection to the Cardinals was highlighted by a standing ovation before his second-inning at-bat, a touching moment in a hostile environment which he acknowledged with a tip of his helmet. Facing his old teammates, he demonstrated why he remains a cornerstone player, delivering three hits and contributing key runs in crucial moments.

The Yankees’ pitching, anchored by Luke Weaver who earned the win, limited the Cardinals’ offense effectively. Even with a home run from Yadiel Pozo providing St. Louis a brief lead in the sixth, the Yankees’ balanced attack and opportunistic hitting carried the day.

With the sweep secured, the Yankees prepare to face the Tampa Bay Rays, looking to build on the renewed confidence this series win has given them. As the playoff race intensifies, contributions from stars like Bellinger, Goldschmidt, and Judge will be instrumental in New York’s quest to make a deep postseason run.