Often Overlooked, Pedro Pagés Finds Ways to Contribute to Cardinals with his ... Running

TL;DR

Pedro Pagés played a crucial role in the Cardinals' 5-3 victory over the Guardians, showcasing his skills in baserunning and hitting. His contributions, often overlooked, included a key single and a stolen base.

Key points

Pedro Pagés contributed to the Cardinals' win over the Guardians.
He hit a single for the team's first run.
Pagés executed a smart stolen base.
He is well-liked in the Cardinals clubhouse.
His contributions often go unnoticed.

St. Louis CardinalsCleveland Guardians

(Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images)

ST. LOUIS – A light-hitting catcher whose specialty is handling the pitching staff and controlling the running game, Pedro Pagés’ contributions often fly below the radar for the St. Louis Cardinals.

However, that certainly wasn’t the case in the Cards 5-3 defeat of the Guardians – a game where Pagés contributed to the win in obvious, tangible ways and even in a few surprising aspects.

Pagés, a favorite in the Cardinals clubhouse because of his quick wit and his relatability among both pitchers and position players, not only singled in his team’s first run on Wednesday, but he used some heady baserunning to take second base when the outfielder’s throw sailed high over the cutoff man’s head. Then, when Cleveland starter Slade Cecconi paid the catcher with below-average speed little to no attention, Pagés incredibly swiped third base.

Though he runs like most catchers, Pagés hustling ways embodied the Cardinals stated mission of keeping the pressure eon foes with their aggressive nature on the basepaths. In this instance, however, Pagés was thinking a bit more selfishly as he giggled about his base-running thefts.

“I was so happy when I did that,” Pagés said of swiping third base for the first time in his MLB career. “Last year, I didn’t get a steal, and I got two my first year (in 2024). That’s something that is a lot of fun.”

Pagés had more later in the game when he cut down Cleveland’s Daniel Schneemann while trying to steal second base in the third inning. The strong throw and quick tag by shortstop Masyn Winn gave Pagés a fourth caught stealing this season in 15 tries. That 26.7 percent success rate is right in line with the 27.9 percent of base stealers that he nailed in 2025 (24 of 86).

Q&A

What did Pedro Pagés do in the Cardinals' game against the Guardians?

Pedro Pagés contributed to the Cardinals' 5-3 win by hitting a single for the team's first run and executing smart baserunning, including stealing third base.

Why is Pedro Pagés considered an important player for the Cardinals?

Pedro Pagés is valued for his ability to handle the pitching staff and control the running game, making significant contributions that often go unnoticed.

How did Pagés' baserunning impact the game against Cleveland?

Pagés' baserunning was pivotal as he took advantage of a high throw to advance to second base and later stole third base, demonstrating his awareness on the field.

What are some of Pedro Pagés' strengths as a catcher?

Pagés is known for his defensive skills, particularly in managing pitchers and controlling the running game, along with his ability to connect with teammates.