Rockies vs Cardinals: Battle at Busch Stadium
On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, the Colorado Rockies traveled to Busch Stadium in St. Louis to face the Cardinals in the second game of their three-game series. As the teams took the field, several storylines shaped the night: a promising rookie debut, a clutch pinch‑hit, shifting playoff trajectories, and a desperate push to end a painful slide.
Game Highlights and Key Developments
Cardinals Shine with Late Heroics
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In a tight showdown, the St. Louis Cardinals edged the Rockies 3–2, thanks to a stellar pinch‑hit two‑run double by Brendan Donovan in the eighth inning—a moment of clutch performance that swung the contest.
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Miles Mikolas delivered a solid outing for St. Louis, giving up just two runs over 6⅔ innings. In relief, Kyle Leahy locked things down for the final 2⅓ innings, earning the win.
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The Rockies jumped ahead briefly in the seventh but couldn’t hold on. The resulting loss extended their skid to eight consecutive defeats. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have now claimed five of their last seven games, edging closer to a Wild Card spot in the National League.
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Lars Nootbaar exited the game with a knee contusion after fouling a ball off his leg—an injury watch to monitor.
Rockies Respond with Roster Shake-Up
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Ahead of the game, the Rockies designated veteran catcher Austin Nola for assignment. With struggles at the plate—batting just .184 with one RBI over 14 games—the move was perhaps inevitable.
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In his place, they recalled right-hander Chase Dollander from Triple‑A. A top prospect and the 9th overall pick in 2023, this marked his first MLB appearance since July 6. Despite a challenging season so far (2‑9 record, 6.68 ERA), the Rockies gave him a fresh chance to make an impact.
Series Outlook & Pre‑Game Predictions
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Earlier game-day previews cast the Cardinals as firm favorites. At Busch Stadium that evening, St. Louis opened as a heavy favorite (–214), while the Rockies held +176 odds. The betting over/under was set at 8.5 runs, with a 1.5‑run run-line playing out similarly.
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A more data-driven take put the Cardinals’ win probability at 64.4%, factoring in simulations, recent trends, and player performance. Analysts also identified prop‑bet angles, including Brenton Doyle’s power upside and Willson Contreras's production in under‑scoring categories.
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Other pre‑game coverage delved into pitching matchups and offensive struggles: The Rockies' offense remains among MLB’s worst, while their bullpen ranks poorly in fWAR. St. Louis, buoyed by recent series wins over the Dodgers and Cubs, enters optimistic but cautious.
At a Glance: Key Stats
| Category | Rockies (COL) | Cardinals (STL) |
|---|---|---|
| Game Score | Lost 2–3 | Won 3–2 |
| Key Player Performance | Chase Dollander (R) — loss; bullpen woes | Brendan Donovan (PH 2‑R HR), Miles Mikolas, Kyle Leahy |
| Streak Status | 8-game losing streak | 5 wins in last 7; playoff chase heating up |
| Roster Moves | DFA Austin Nola; recall Chase Dollander | — |
| Starting Pitching Matchup | Chase Dollander vs. Miles Mikolas | — |
| Odds & Predictions | Underdogs (ML +176) | Favorites (ML –214); predicted win ~64% |
Notable Takeaways
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Donovan Delivers: Overcoming a recent groin injury, Donovan came off the bench in a defining moment. His eighth-inning double turned the tide in St. Louis’s favor.
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High-Stakes Debut: Dollander’s return symbolizes the Rockies’ rebuilding process. If he falters, his future may lie back in the minors—but the Rockies needed a spark, and a top prospect often brings that excitement.
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Wild-Card Window Resizing: The Cardinals are climbing. Five wins in their last seven games bring them within three games of a Wild Card berth. Every result matters now.
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Road to Redemption for Colorado: This loss deepens the Rockies’ struggles, but deeper issues persist—low offensive output, bullpen instability, and a lack of consistency.
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Injury Alert: Nootbaar’s knee scare bears watching; even clutch performances can come with consequences.
What to Watch Next
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Game 3 Preview: Will Colorado stop the skid? Or will St. Louis assert dominance and take the series?
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Dollander’s Development: Can he find MLB success? Or will the Rockies re-evaluate his role?
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Cardinals’ Climb: If St. Louis continues its form, their Wild Card position may become more secure—possibly seeing them overtake rivals poised for post-season runs.
Conclusion: What This Game Means for the Rockies and Cardinals
The Rockies vs. Cardinals matchup on August 12, 2025, showcased a classic battle between a team fighting to regain footing and another eager to solidify its playoff hopes. The Cardinals’ clutch hitting and timely pitching helped them edge out the Rockies in a tight contest, while Colorado’s struggles continue to highlight the challenges they face in turning their season around.
Looking ahead, the Cardinals seem poised to continue their momentum in the playoff race, capitalizing on key performances and strategic roster decisions. Meanwhile, the Rockies must find ways to stop their slide, develop young talent like Chase Dollander, and rebuild their confidence.
