Having fallen out of postseason contention early in the season, the St. Louis Cardinals were forced to trade away starters Jack Flaherty and Jordan Montgomery.
As such, right-hander Dakota Hudson was given a chance to prove his worth.
So far this season, Hudson has been a revelation, and after a disappointing 2022 season, he has returned to his old form.
On Sunday, the young right-hander pitched 5.1 innings and allowed just two runs on five hits while striking out seven and walking two.
Hudson earned his fifth win of the season and improved to 5-0, lowering his ERA to 3.95.
After the game, Hudson talked about his hot start and how things have been going this season, via Bally Sports Midwest.
Hudson as he improves to 5-0 this season: “Records are great, but it’s really a tip of a cap to how well the team has been playing behind me … It’s fun to play baseball with guys that are getting after it.” #STLCards pic.twitter.com/DptHbRAYwo
— Bally Sports Midwest (@BallySportsMW) August 20, 2023
Hudson first talked about his slider and how it has helped him strike more hitters out.
The right-hander feels that it helps strengthen his arsenal and gives him a chance to pitch more freely.
However, he wasn’t about to let his 5-0 start go to his head.
Hudson said it felt good to earn his fifth win, but that it was more of a reflection of how the team has played with him on the mound and that having them back him up in his key starts has helped him perform up to his potential.
The 28-year-old right-hander went 8-7 with a 4.45 last season after returning from Tommy John surgery.
He won 16 games in 2019 and had an ERA of 3.35.
This season has been more akin to his rookie season, as he has returned to his old form and is helping the Cardinals rotation.
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