Crooks hands Mathews game ball after first MLB win

A two-run Crooks homer backed the rookie left-hander.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Aug 291 min read

Quinn Mathews was presented the game ball after his first MLB win by Jimmy Crooks, his longtime battery mate! https://t. Via @Cardinals on X

What happened: Mathews held Pittsburgh to one run on five hits and a walk over 5 2/3 innings in a 4-1 victory. Jimmy Crooks, his longtime battery mate, struck in the third inning.

Why it matters: The milestone came in Mathews' fourth career start and his Busch Stadium debut. He has allowed two or fewer runs in three of those four outings.

By the numbers: Mathews threw 5 2/3 innings with seven strikeouts, five hits, one walk and one earned run, improving to 1-2.

What to watch: Mathews' next turn will test whether he can extend his three-start run of limiting opponents to two runs or fewer.

Sources

@Cardinals 2026-08-29T04:25:12.255376+00:00

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