Atlanta Braves at St. Louis Cardinals

For a stretch in June, it seemed that earning the nod as the Opening Day starter could represent a high point in an otherwise tumultuous season for Cardinals left-hander Matthew Liberatore. But the Cardinals were steadfast in their patience with the 26-year-old starter in a manner that has paid dividends in recent weeks. On Saturday night at Busch Stadium, Liberatore breezed through six scoreless innings in a 4-1 win over the Braves. He scattered one walk and four hits, holding the Braves to just two occasions featuring a runner in scoring position against him. The second of those produced a prosperous end to Liberatore’s night, as he benefitted from the slick defense of his double-play duo up the middle. JJ Wetherholt fielded Drake Baldwin’s grounder to second to kick-start a 4-6-3 double play to end the sixth inning. Masyn Winn ripped a one-hop throw to Alec Burleson, who cleanly scooped it for the difference-making defensive gem. In a season that was always intended to set the foundation for the future of where St. Louis is heading as an organization, the Cardinals were insistent that they wouldn’t be bogged down in a stretch of undesirable results. If Liberatore was progressing, even if only in ways that didn’t immediately reveal themselves in the box score, the Cardinals were prepared to see him through turbulent waters in the starting rotation. Over his past three starts, Liberatore has allowed just five runs (four earned) in 16 innings. “There’s been adjustments to several things in order for that to take place,” manager Oliver Marmol said. “It wasn’t just something where you just give it time. So I’m excited about where it’s headed. He’s been really good about taking some of these adjustments to heart and making sure that he can continue to implement them into every game. “We saw more of it today with how he used his stuff, his overall usage. He executed well. So it’s pointing in the right direction as of right now.”