3 Cardinals most to blame for Wild Card defeat to Phillies

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St. Louis Cardinals, Paul Goldschmidt (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Cardinals MVP candidate Paul Goldschmidt couldn’t get a hit when it mattered most

Goldschmidt had a fantastic season that could earn him MVP honors. Unfortunately, he could not perform up to heightened expectations when it mattered most down the stretch and in the playoffs.

Goldschmidt hit .317/.404/.578 with an OPS of .982, 41 doubles, 35 home runs, 106 runs, and 115 RBI. He had a great season. Goldschmidt’s production, combined with his defense and leadership in the clubhouse, made him an essential piece of this 2022 Cardinals.

That key player began disappearing in September, only to be gone in October.

On Friday, he was 0-for-3, striking out once and leaving two one base. On Saturday, he was 0-for-4 with three strikeouts and leaving four on base.

Goldschmidt acknowledged his lack of production in September and October. He appeared emotional that he couldn’t step up for the team. After his performance for most of the season, it felt like a gut punch that he could not step up and help the team win.

Hopefully, Goldschmidt will use this as the ultimate motivation to have an even better 2023 season.

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