Perhaps general manager John Mozeliak sent a message with today's coaching changes. Perhaps second-baseman Kolten Wong's return from the disabled list provided a spark.
Perhaps all the Cardinals needed was the comfort of a home crowd.
Whatever the reason, the Cardinals managed to avoid the mistakes that plagued nearly every facet of the team on their disastrous 0-7 road trip in a 3-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. The Cardinals are now 27-32.
Michael Wacha turned in his best start in four weeks, allowing just two runs on five hits through six innings. It was the first quality start for a Cardinals starter since Adam Wainwright threw six shutout innings in the team's last home game on June 2.