Cardinals coaches have been keeping a close eye on starter Matthew Liberatore in recent months amid his intermittent struggles in his first full season as a starter. But one pitch in particular may require an even more watchful eye Wednesday.

Liberatore and the Cardinals wrap up a three-game home series vs. the Athletics with Wednesday's 6:45 p.m. rubber game at Busch Stadium.

Ivan Herrera's two-run homer and Miles Mikolas' strong start lifted the Cardinals to a 2-1 win Tuesday in front of a record-low crowd .

The left-hander Liberatore (6-11, 4.32 ERA) threw 88 pitches on Friday, more than any other start since the break, and went five innings, allowing three runs in a win at Cincinnati. It was also only his second time completing the fifth inning in seven post-break starts. He all

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