The rivalry between the Philadelphia Phillies and the St. Louis Cardinals has evolved into a fascinating statistical chess match. As we move deeper into the 2026 season, looking back at the detailed player stats from their most recent encounters provides a roadmap of how these two National League titans match up. Whether it is the high-octane offense of the Phillies or the tactical pitching shifts of the Cardinals, the numbers tell a story of momentum, adjustment, and individual brilliance on the diamond.

Analyzing the player stats between these two franchises requires a look at several key series from 2025 and the opening weeks of 2026. These matchups have been characterized by fluctuating pitching dominance and explosive offensive outbursts, particularly in high-leverage situations. To understand where these teams stand today, we must dissect the box scores and the underlying metrics that defined their latest clashes.

Recent Series Summary and Performance Trends

In the most recent full season of 2025, the Cardinals managed to break a long-standing drought against the Phillies. Historically, the Phillies had dominated recent series, but the 2025 campaign saw a shift in power. For instance, the April series at Busch Stadium was a testament to the Cardinals' revamped pitching rotation, while the May doubleheader in Philadelphia showcased the sheer depth of the St. Louis lineup.

The statistical breakdown of the April series showed a significant disparity in situational hitting. The Phillies, despite having a high on-base percentage (OBP), struggled to drive in runners, whereas the Cardinals capitalized on extra-base hits. In the 7-0 shutout win for St. Louis on April 13, 2025, the Cardinals outhit the Phillies 10 to 3, a rare statistical anomaly for a Philadelphia team known for its slugging prowess.

Moving into May 2025, the stats reversed in terms of volume but not in outcome for everyone. A 14-7 slugfest saw the Cardinals pound out 19 hits. These types of statistical outliers are crucial for analysts because they highlight the ceiling of the St. Louis offense when facing high-velocity starters like Aaron Nola. The player stats from that specific match indicated that the Cardinals' middle-of-the-order hitters were seeing the ball exceptionally well, recording multiple three-hit games.

Offensive Statistical Leaders: Phillies Hitting Breakdown

When examining the Phillies' side of the box score, several names consistently appear at the top of the statistical categories. The Phillies' strategy relies heavily on the power-speed combination at the top of the order.

Kyle Schwarber: The Power Anchor

Through the 2025 season and into the early parts of 2026, Kyle Schwarber has maintained his status as a statistical powerhouse. In the May 14, 2025 match, Schwarber hit his 15th home run of the season, a solo shot that contributed to a high-scoring game despite the loss. His stats against the Cardinals often show a high walk rate combined with a significant number of strikeouts, reflecting his three-true-outcomes approach.

  • Average (AVG): .187 - .273 (variable by series)
  • On-Base Percentage (OBP): .333 - .412
  • Home Runs (HR): Consistent 40+ HR pace

Trea Turner and Bryce Harper: The Core Production

Trea Turner’s player stats emphasize his role as the table-setter. In the April 2025 series, Turner’s ability to put the ball in play was tested by the Cardinals' defensive shifts. His stat line often includes multiple stolen bases and runs scored, which are pivotal for the Phillies' win probability. Bryce Harper, on the other hand, remains the focal point of the Cardinals' pitching strategy. Harper’s stats in the 4-1 Phillies victory showed a disciplined approach, recording hits in crucial counts and maintaining an OPS well above .800.

Alec Bohm and Nick Castellanos: Situational Stats

Alec Bohm has emerged as a high-contact hitter in this matchup. In the August 2023 game, Bohm hit a career-high 14th homer at that time, and he continued that trend into 2025 with an improved slugging percentage (SLG). Nick Castellanos’ stats against St. Louis have been highlighted by his doubles and RBI production. In early 2025, his two-run double was the deciding factor in a 4-1 win, proving that his value lies in clearing the bases rather than just home run volume.

St. Louis Cardinals Offensive Stats: A Balanced Attack

The Cardinals' offensive player stats reflect a more balanced, contact-oriented approach compared to the Phillies' power-heavy lineup. Their ability to string together hits was most evident in their 14-7 victory in May 2025.

Alec Burleson and Lars Nootbaar: The New Guard

Alec Burleson has been a statistical revelation for the Cardinals. In the May 14 doubleheader, Burleson recorded three hits and four RBIs, including a home run. His season stats showed a significant jump in OPS, making him one of the most dangerous left-handed bats in the National League. Lars Nootbaar has complemented this with a high OBP. His ability to draw walks and hit for power (recording 13 HRs by mid-May 2025) makes the top of the Cardinals' lineup difficult to navigate for Phillies' starters.

Willson Contreras and Jordan Walker: The Power Surge

Willson Contreras’ player stats against the Phillies often include high-exit velocity hits. In the April 13, 2025 match, Contreras hit a two-run homer off Zack Wheeler, a feat that is statistically difficult given Wheeler’s low HR/9 rate. Jordan Walker, the young outfielder, also contributed a home run in that same match, showing that the Cardinals' power is well-distributed. Walker’s stats in 2025 and early 2026 suggest a breakout in terms of extra-base hits (XBH) and reduced strikeout rates.

Masyn Winn: The Speed Factor

Masyn Winn’s stats bring a different dimension to the Cardinals. In the 14-7 win, Winn recorded four hits and three RBIs. His speed is reflected in his high BABIP (Batting Average on Balls In Play), as he frequently turns routine grounders into infield singles, putting pressure on the Phillies' middle infielders.

Pitching Stats: The Battle of the Rotations

The most telling player stats in any Phillies vs. Cardinals matchup are found on the pitching rubber. The contrast in styles—Philadelphia’s high-velocity power pitching versus St. Louis’ tactical command—creates compelling data points.

Zack Wheeler: The Phillies' Ace

Zack Wheeler’s stats against the Cardinals are generally excellent, though he has had occasional setbacks. In the April 13, 2025 game, Wheeler’s line was:

  • Innings Pitched (IP): 6.0
  • Hits (H): 7
  • Earned Runs (ER): 4
  • Strikeouts (SO): 3
  • Walks (BB): 1
  • ERA: 4.07 (at that time)

Wheeler’s ability to maintain a low WHIP (Walks + Hits per Innings Pitched) is his trademark. Even when he allows runs, his FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) often suggests he is pitching better than his ERA indicates. The Cardinals' hitters have recently focused on laying off his high fastball and attacking his slider, which explains the increase in hits allowed during their 2025 encounters.

Matthew Liberatore: The Cardinals' Rising Star

Matthew Liberatore provided one of the most dominant pitching performances in recent history against the Phillies. His April 13, 2025 start was a masterclass:

  • IP: 6.0
  • H: 3
  • ER: 0
  • SO: 7
  • BB: 1
  • Pitches/Strikes: 88/54

Liberatore’s ability to shut down a high-powered Phillies lineup using a mix of curveballs and changeups was reflected in his season-high seven strikeouts that day. His stats against the Phillies' left-handed heavy hitters (Schwarber, Harper) are particularly impressive, as he often induces soft contact or swings-and-misses on breaking balls away.

Cristopher Sánchez and Aaron Nola

Cristopher Sánchez has been a steady presence in the Phillies' rotation. His August 2023 and April 2025 starts showed his efficiency, often going 6+ innings while allowing 2 or fewer runs. His changeup remains his most statistically effective pitch, generating a high groundball rate. Conversely, Aaron Nola’s stats in May 2025 showed a rare struggle, where he allowed 9 runs and 12 hits in just 3.2 innings. This outing significantly inflated his season ERA but also highlighted the Cardinals' ability to exploit pitchers who miss their spots in the zone.

Detailed Box Score Analysis: April 13, 2025

To see how these player stats manifest in a single game, let's look at the comprehensive box score from the Cardinals' 7-0 victory at Busch Stadium. This game is a prime example of pitching dominance meeting timely hitting.

Phillies Batting Stats (April 13, 2025)

Player Pos AB R H RBI BB SO AVG
T. Turner SS 4 0 0 0 0 0 .240
B. Harper 1B 4 0 1 0 0 1 .250
K. Schwarber DH 3 0 0 0 1 2 .273
N. Castellanos RF 3 0 0 0 0 2 .291
J.T. Realmuto C 3 0 1 0 0 0 .238
A. Bohm 3B 3 0 0 0 0 0 .150
E. Sosa 2B 3 0 1 0 0 1 .444
B. Marsh LF 3 0 0 0 0 2 .108
J. Rojas CF 3 0 0 0 0 1 .308

Cardinals Batting Stats (April 13, 2025)

Player Pos AB R H RBI BB SO AVG
L. Nootbaar LF 4 0 0 0 0 1 .259
A. Burleson DH 3 0 0 0 0 1 .261
B. Donovan SS 4 1 1 0 0 1 .350
N. Arenado 3B 4 2 2 1 0 0 .283
W. Contreras 1B 4 2 2 2 0 0 .158
N. Gorman 2B 3 0 1 1 1 0 .417
J. Walker RF 4 1 2 2 0 1 .275
Y. Pozo C 4 1 1 0 0 1 .417
V. Scott II CF 2 0 1 0 0 0 .275

In this match, the Phillies' stars like Turner and Schwarber were kept off the basepaths, while the Cardinals' middle order—Arenado, Contreras, and Walker—combined for 6 hits and 5 RBIs. This statistical concentration in the heart of the order is often the difference-maker in tight games.

Bullpen Performance and Late-Inning Stats

Beyond the starters, the relief pitching stats reveal how these games are won in the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings. The Phillies' bullpen, led by José Alvarado and Matt Strahm, has shown high strikeout-per-nine (K/9) ratios. In the Phillies' 4-1 victory, Alvarado recorded his 3rd save of the year with a clean 9th inning, utilizing his high-90s sinker to induce a flyout.

The Cardinals' bullpen has relied on a committee approach. In their 7-0 victory, Phil Maton, JoJo Romero, and Kyle Leahy each pitched a scoreless inning, allowing zero hits and zero walks. This kind of statistical perfection from the bullpen is what allows the Cardinals to maintain leads when their starters exit after the 6th inning. For the Phillies, the stats of Jeff Hoffman and Orion Kerkering are vital. Hoffman’s ability to pitch in high-leverage situations is backed by his high spin rate on his slider, which often results in weak contact.

Defensive Metrics: The Hidden Stats

While batting and pitching dominate the headlines, defensive stats like Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and double plays often decide the outcome of Phillies vs. Cardinals games. A notable statistical event occurred in a recent Phillies 4-1 win where the Philadelphia infield turned five double plays.

Turning five double plays in a single game is statistically rare. For the Phillies, this feat helped starter Cristopher Sánchez navigate through nine hits allowed with minimal damage. For the Cardinals, hitting into five double plays was a statistical nightmare that nullified their base-running opportunities.

  • Total Double Plays (Phillies): 5
  • Fielding Errors (Cardinals): 0 (in that specific game)
  • Fielding Errors (Phillies): 1

These defensive metrics illustrate that the Phillies’ defense was able to bail out their pitching when runners were on base, a trend that has been a focus for manager Rob Thomson in the 2026 season preparations.

Comparison of Team Stats (2025 vs. 2026 Early Trends)

Looking at the broader picture, we can compare the aggregate player stats for both teams.

Philadelphia Phillies Team Trends:

  • Home Run Rate: Remains in the top 5 of the MLB, driven by Schwarber, Harper, and Castellanos.
  • Strikeout Rate (Batters): High, especially in the 3-4-5 spots of the order.
  • Starting Pitching ERA: Among the best in the National League, led by Wheeler and a resurgent Nola.
  • Stolen Bases: Increased significantly with Trea Turner and Bryson Stott’s aggressive base running.

St. Louis Cardinals Team Trends:

  • Batting Average with RISP: Improved significantly in 2025 and 2026, with players like Brendan Donovan and Alec Burleson leading the charge.
  • Walk-to-Strikeout Ratio: One of the best in the league, reflecting a disciplined organizational hitting philosophy.
  • Bullpen ERA: Stable, but lacks a single dominant closer, preferring situational matchups.
  • Infield Defense: Historically strong, though the loss of certain veterans has led to a slight dip in DRS for the 2026 season.

Key Match Player Stats to Watch in 2026

As the 2026 season progresses, several player-specific stats will be the primary indicators of success in this matchup. For the Phillies, monitoring Zack Wheeler's velocity and Aaron Nola's command will be paramount. If Nola can return to his sub-3.50 ERA form against the Cardinals, the Phillies become much harder to beat in a series.

For the Cardinals, the development of Jordan Walker’s power stats is the key. In 2025, Walker showed glimpses of elite slugging; if he can maintain a .500+ SLG against the Phillies' left-handed pitchers, he will continue to be a "Phillies-killer" in the box score. Additionally, Willson Contreras’ health and consistency behind the plate and in the cleanup spot will dictate the Cardinals' offensive ceiling.

Conclusion: The Data-Driven Rivalry

The player stats from the Phillies vs. St. Louis Cardinals matches highlight a rivalry that is as much about the numbers as it is about the players. From the rare five-double-play game to the 19-hit explosion by the Cardinals, the box scores provide an objective look at how these teams exploit each other's weaknesses. As the 2026 season continues, these statistical trends will likely shift, but the core battle—Philadelphia’s power versus St. Louis’ discipline—remains the defining narrative of this National League clash. Fans and analysts alike will keep a close eye on the ERA, OPS, and DRS as these two teams continue their pursuit of the postseason.