(Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images for MLB Europe)
Matt Carpenter was one of the finest players to ever wear the St. Louis Cardinals uniform.
He is now with the San Diego Padres, but he is still well loved in St. Louis, thanks in large part to an epic performance on this date five years ago.
The Cardinals were middling at around .500 at the time, but Carpenter made some team history against the rival Chicago Cubs, going 5-for-5 with three home runs and two doubles as the team pulled off an 18-5 win at Wrigley Field.
On Twitter, Bally Sports Midwest celebrated this special anniversary, recalling Carpenter’s epic performance in the Windy City.
Matt Carpenter delivered a salsa-fueled standout performance five years ago today. #STLCards pic.twitter.com/407SjVAV77
— Bally Sports Midwest (@BallySportsMW) July 20, 2023
Carpenter became the first player in Cardinals history to record five extra-base hits in a single game.
That also helped kick off a fun trend in St. Louis.
At the time, Carpenter was enjoying his own special salsa, which he was able to make thanks to Adam Wainwright planting tomatoes in his garden.
This game was a launch point for Carpenter, who got hot in the second half and even forced his way into the MVP conversation, all while enjoying his special salsa, which was all the rage in St. Louis for the next several months.
But aside from the salsa, Carpenter forever etched his name in Cardinals history.
During Carpenter’s time in St. Louis, the Cardinals won a World Series title, two National League pennants, two Wild Cards, and three division titles.
The Cardinals didn’t reach the postseason in 2018, but Carpenter’s long hot streak was the talk of the town in St. Louis for several months.
The post Cardinals Celebrate A Historic Matt Carpenter Performance appeared first on The Cold Wire.