"It felt great" - Nolan Arenado gets emotional after his clutch walk-off grand slam secures big Cardinals win
Nolan Arenado hit his fifth career walk-off homer to give his team a 10-6 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday. The Cardinals snapped their rivals' six-game win streak in the process and head into the series finale with a chance to win their first series against their opponents this season.
After the game, an emotional Arenado spoke about how important it was for him and his team to pull off the comeback win.
"It felt great. I haven't been able to come through the way I want, and it's been killing me. I just thank God that today was a good day, and I was able to do it," Arenado said.
The Brewers blew a chance to win the game in the ninth inning as their closer Devin Williams was unable to find control. Leading 6-4, Williams gave away two bases-loaded walks to earn his first blown save of the season as the game headed into extra innings.
Cardinals reliever Ryan Helsey pitched a scoreless top of the 10th inning. In the bottom half, Willson Contreras was intentionally walked while Jose Fermin earned himself one. Masyn Winn had reached third to load the bases.
Nolan Arenado came to the plate and struck a 1-2, 85 mph knuckleball to a line drive to left field for his sixth career grand slam and the victory.
Nolan Arenado looking to rejuvenate down season
Nolan Arenado missed out on being an All-Star this season for only the second time since 2015. The 33-year-old has 59 RBIs and 14 home runs and is projected for 71 and 17 respectively, much lower than his standards. In each of the last three seasons, he has hit at least 26 home runs and 93 RBIs.
That shows the 8x All-Star has been off the mark and needed a game like the one against the Brewers to lift his spirits. His form has mostly been synonymous with the Cards' season as they have a 62-64 record.
Even though they're second in the NL Central, they are five games behind the third spot in the NL Wild Card race. They will need to continue to improve their form if they want to have a shot at the postseason.