Willson Contreras didn’t hesitate to act on White Sox catcher Edgar Quero’s decision-making. As Alec Burleson took off for second base during Nolan Arenado’s fifth-inning walk, Quero—though under no real pressure—fired a throw to second in an attempt to catch Burleson.
From his spot at third, Contreras seized the opportunity. The moment Quero released the ball, Contreras bolted for home. Though he was initially called out, replay confirmed that he pulled off a flawless swim move at the plate and was, in fact, safe—marking the first steal of home in his 10-year MLB career.
“There’s a first time for everything,” Contreras said. “I don’t think they saw it coming. It was a gamble—you flip a coin and let it play out.”
That daring steal highlighted an all-around dominant night for the Cardinals, who crushed the White Sox 12-2 in Tuesday’s series opener at Guaranteed Rate Field.
The dramatic play came three innings after the Cardinals erupted for five runs in the second, quickly erasing an early 1-0 deficit. After drawing a walk, Contreras moved to third on a single from Burleson. Before Quero’s throw even cleared the pitcher’s mound, Contreras was on his way home.
Second baseman Chase Meidroth intercepted the ball on the infield and fired it back to Quero, who tried to apply the tag. But Contreras twisted mid-slide, avoiding the tag and touching the plate with his right hand. After being ruled out, he immediately signaled for the Cardinals to challenge. The replay showed he was untouched, and the call was overturned.
“I knew I was safe,” Contreras said. “He never got me. As soon as I saw the throw go through, I went for it.”
Manager Oliver Marmol admitted he didn’t see it coming.
“Honestly, I was surprised,” Marmol said. “Once Nolan got the walk, I didn’t expect them to throw down. But we took advantage and kept piling on from there.”
That was just the beginning of a night where everything went right for St. Louis. They scored in each of the last five innings.
Brendan Donovan, staying in the leadoff role for a second straight day, delivered his fifth career four-hit game, including an RBI single and a double. Marmol praised Donovan’s presence at the top of the lineup and the team’s offensive approach.
On the mound, Matthew Liberatore rebounded from back-to-back rough starts to throw six solid innings, giving up just two runs and striking out four. He credited the offense with making his job easier.
“This was the most in-sync I’ve felt in a while,” Liberatore said. “The run support let me attack hitters without feeling like I had to be perfect.”
The Cardinals also got four RBIs from Iván Herrera and a three-hit performance—including his sixth home run—from Burleson, who continues to stay hot at the plate.
The win came at a crucial time. St. Louis had just completed a grueling 12-game stretch over 11 days, losing eight of those contests. Tuesday’s explosion, with eight different players scoring runs, gave the team a much-needed boost.
And Contreras, who stole home for the first time in his MLB career, helped set the tone with his fearless, all-out effort.
“He plays with his hair on fire,” Liberatore said. “It’s contagious.”