The St. Louis Cardinals completed a dominant three-game series sweep of the Cleveland Guardians with a convincing 7-0 victory on Sunday. This win improved the Cardinals’ record to 47-38, bringing them within just three games of the Chicago Cubs atop the NL Central standings. The strong performance highlighted both the team’s depth and determination as they continue their push in the division.
Ryan Helsley Achieves Major Career Milestone in Close Victory
Although Sunday’s win emphasized team strength, the defining moment came in Saturday’s 9-6 win when Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley reached a significant career landmark. Helsley secured his 16th save of the season by striking out a batter in the ninth inning, marking the 100th save of his Major League Baseball career. This notable achievement places him among an elite group of pitchers in the franchise’s history.
Reflecting on his accomplishment, Helsley shared,
“It’s pretty surreal because you’re not really thinking about it in the moment, but when you think about 100 saves, I don’t know how many people have done that over their careers, and it’s probably not that many,”
—Ryan Helsley, Cardinals Closer.
Joining Cardinals Legends with 100 Saves
By reaching 100 saves, Helsley became only the sixth pitcher in St. Louis Cardinals history to hit this milestone. He joins legendary closers such as Jason Isringhausen, Lee Smith, Todd Worrell, Bruce Sutter, and Trevor Rosenthal. These pitchers have each made lasting impacts on the team, and Helsley is now positioned to build on their legacy with his consistent performances.
Should he remain with the Cardinals past the July 31 trade deadline, Helsley has the opportunity to surpass Rosenthal’s franchise record of 121 saves, ranking fifth all-time for St. Louis. Last season, Helsley recorded an impressive 49 saves, and this year he has continued his strong play across 29 appearances, compiling three wins, a 3.41 ERA, and 34 strikeouts so far.
Helsley’s Milestone Inspires Cardinals’ Pursuit of Success
As the Cardinals aim to contend for the NL Central crown this season, Ryan Helsley’s 100th save milestone symbolizes both personal achievement and team momentum. His veteran presence in the bullpen provides stability and confidence for St. Louis as they compete in a challenging division. Helsley’s continued excellence on the mound not only solidifies his standing among franchise greats but also fuels the Cardinals’ drive toward postseason success.