St. Louis Cardinals aim for a third consecutive win at Busch Stadium this afternoon
Category: Sports
The St. Louis Cardinals aim to complete a three-game sweep of the Kansas City Royals on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 2:15 p.m. ET at Busch Stadium. After winning the first two games of the series, the Cardinals hold a 2-0 series lead and are looking to extend their winning streak to four games.
Currently, the Cardinals are enjoying a successful season, boasting a record of 27-18, which places them in a tie for second place in the National League Central. The Royals, on the other hand, have struggled significantly this season. With a record of 19-27, they sit at the bottom of the American League Central after losing six consecutive games.
Starting for the Cardinals is Andre Pallante, who has a season record of 4-3 with a 4.46 earned run average (ERA). Pallante is coming off a win in his last outing against the Athletics, where he pitched five innings, allowing three runs on four hits. The Royals will counter with Stephen Kolek, who is making just his third start of the season. Kolek holds a record of 1-0 but has a higher ERA of 6.75, having struggled in his previous appearance against the Chicago White Sox.
The Cardinals have been performing well in recent weeks, and their current form reflects a team that is gaining momentum as the season progresses. They are tied with the Milwaukee Brewers for second place in the NL Central, just a game and a half behind the Chicago Cubs, the division leaders. This competitive dynamic adds urgency to their pursuit of a sweep against the Royals.
In stark comparison, the Royals' recent performance has been disappointing. Their six-game losing streak has left them trailing behind their competitors in the AL Central. The team is currently a game behind both the Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers, making today's game particularly important as they look to turn their season around.
Fans tuning in can catch the game on Royals.TV and Cardinals.TV, with streaming options available through Fubo and MLB.TV. This matchup is particularly notable as it showcases two teams with contrasting trajectories this season, setting the stage for an exciting contest.
As the game approaches, the stakes are high for both teams. A victory for the Cardinals would solidify their position in the playoff race and give them much-needed confidence as they continue through the season. Conversely, a win for the Royals could serve as a turning point, allowing them to break their losing streak and regain some momentum as they head into the next series.
With the Cardinals' strong offensive lineup, including players like Jordan Walker, who is hitting .308 with 13 home runs this season, and Bobby Witt Jr., who has also made a notable contribution with seven home runs, the Royals will need to be on high alert to contain their scoring opportunities. The Royals will be looking to their own key players, such as Jonathan India, to step up and deliver when it matters most.
As the game kicks off at 2:15 p.m. ET, fans and analysts alike will follow closely closely to see if the Cardinals can maintain their winning streak or if the Royals can finally secure a much-needed victory. The outcome of this game will impact the standings and set the tone for the upcoming weeks as both teams strive for success in this competitive season.