Cardinals Fall Short in LA, Dodgers Escape 3-2

The Cardinals made the trip to Chavez Ravine and nearly pulled off the upset, but the Dodgers squeezed out a 3-2 victory in what turned into a pitcher's duel with just enough offense to keep things interesting. This was the kind of tight, one-run affair that makes managers age in dog years.

St. Louis showed up ready to scrap, keeping pace throughout, but ultimately couldn't manufacture that crucial third run when it mattered most. The Cardinals' bats went cold at the worst possible moments, stranding runners and letting golden opportunities slip through their fingers. Meanwhile, the Dodgers did just enough damage to stay ahead, scratching across three runs and then leaning on their arms to shut the door.

Credit where it's due: LA's pitching staff locked things down late, holding the Cardinals at bay when they threatened to tie or take the lead. The final frame saw St. Louis mount one last push, but the Dodgers slammed it shut without drama.

DarkHorse didn't weigh in on this one, so no pick to dissect. Probably for the best—these nail-biters are coin flips anyway. The Dodgers survive, the Cardinals head home wondering what might've been with one more timely hit. That's baseball in May.