Game 5 started off ugly for the Braves and only got worse. Mike Foltynewicz came out trying to work sliders and outside fastballs, but he couldn’t locate consistently. His fastball had too much run and kept drifting into the zone instead of staying outside. The inning began with a missed foul tip that could’ve been a quick strikeout. Instead, it spiraled. He gave up a walk, a bloop single, and then got hurt by poor pitch placement. Freddie Freeman had a shot to turn a double play but couldn’t come up with the ball. That would’ve ended the inning with just one run across. Instead, the Cardinals kept pushing.
Ozuna fought off tough pitches and singled in a run. Carpenter had a great at-bat and worked a walk. Then, in a brutal moment, Foltynewicz walked a run in. Attempts to throw sliders were getting spit on, and the fastball kept drifting. A few pitches in the zone finally got hit hard. The Braves trailed 4-0 with only one out, a gift-sacrifice bunt. They brought in Max Fried, who promptly walked the opposing pitcher with the bases loaded. That made it 5-0. The order turned over, and the Cardinals piled it on. Fowler and Wong both drove in more runs. Wong had already given up an out earlier and made up for it fast. It was 9-0 in a flash. The Cardinals dugout was losing it, laughing, celebrating. A passed ball let in the tenth run before the third out finally came—Yadier Molina grounded out, ending the inning.
Ten runs. One actual out. A complete collapse by the Braves’ pitching and defense. Nothing went their way, and the Cardinals punished every mistake.