Matt Quatraro made a swift decision as he called upon left-handed reliever Angel Zerpa from the bullpen. Zerpa needed to provide length during his outing. Royals starter Cole Ragans was knocked out of the game,

After inclement weather rained out Wednesday’s game, the Cardinals played their fifth doubleheader of the season Thursday at Busch Stadium. They rallied twice to win Game 1, 6-5, in ten innings, but fell short of another comeback in Game 2 and lost 7-5, splitting the twin bill and losing the series.

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Matthew Liberatore throws during the first inning in the second game of a baseball doubleheader against the Kansas City Royals, Thursday, June 5, 2025, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Scott Kane)