Cardinals' flamethrower hits low point in latest tough loss to rivals

The St. Louis Cardinals had a chance to win their third consecutive game on Thursday night following their series win against the defending World Series champion Texas Rangers.

Up 4-2 in the bottom of the ninth inning, they turned to their All-Star closer Ryan Helsley looking to secure the win. However, things went south quickly.

The Chicago Cubs rallied for three runs and ultimately walked off their rivals after falling to within one strike of a loss.

On Twitter, Cardinals analyst Brandon Kiley pointed out a new low reached by the team in their latest loss.

"Tonight was the first time this season Ryan Helsley entered the game in the ninth inning with the lead in a game the Cardinals went on to lose," Kiley wrote.

Helsley has been dominant for St. Louis this season. In fact, he leads all of Major League Baseball with 33 saves. This was just his third blown save of the season.

But both prior times Helsley blew a save, the Cardinals rallied to win and picked up their closer. However, that changed on Thursday at Wrigley Field.

With the loss, St. Louis fell to 56-53 on the season and lost a half-game in the National League Central standings. They now sit 5 1/2 games back of first place.

Helsley still owns a 4-4 record and a 2.70 ERA even after his ninth-inning collapse against the Cubs on Thursday, and the Cardinals will look to bounce back with newcomer Erick Fedde making his team debut on Friday.

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