Painter works 7 strong innings, Schwarber hits MLB-leading 38th HR as Phillies rout Cardinals 12-3

In a thrilling eight-game winning streak, the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 12-3 on Saturday night. Rookie pitcher Andrew Painter demonstrated his strong performance, pitching seven innings of baseball excellence. Kyle Schwarber made his mark with the 38th home run of the season, leading the MLB in homers.

Every starter for the Phillies managed to get at least one hit. Edmundo Sosa contributed with two hits, including a vital two-run double in the first inning. Alec Bohm also had two hits and scored twice, leading a four-run outburst in the third inning. Bryce Harper added to the momentum with a three-run homer in the sixth inning, his 26th of the season.

Painter allowed just one run on five hits, striking out eight in his longest outing of the season at the age of 23. The rookie had been demoted in June after a 12-4 loss, but since his July 31 recall, he has gone 2-0 in five starts, lowering his ERA to 6.04.

Hunter Dobbins joined the injured list for St. Louis, leading to the call-up of highly valued lefty prospect Quinn Mathews for his third start in August. Mathews went five innings, allowing seven earned runs on 10 hits but recorded three strikeouts, with Harper being his victim. Bryce Harper retaliated by taking out his frustration on reliever Ryan Fernandez in the sixth inning.

St. Louis' JJ Wetherholt hit a solo homer in the eighth inning, his 17th of the season. The Cardinals will face Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sánchez (16-4, 2.51) in the concluding game of the three-game series.