Helsley still got the win when the Cardinals scored in the bottom of the ninth. Before that, he threw 16 pitches and got missed swings on none of them, which is odd for him. Still, his velocity was fine, and unlike in his previous blown save this year, walks were not a problem today. He has a 3.60 ERA through 10 innings.

Save chances have been few and far between for the Cardinals’ stopper and he didn’t make it easy on himself in this one by allowing a leadoff single to Isaac Collins. He battled right back though to get Vinny Capra to bounce into a double play before retiring Caleb Durbin on a line drive to center to end it. He has now converted four of his first five save opportunities on the season while posting a 2.00 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and a 10/8 K/BB ratio over his first nine innings.

Helsley has recovered nicely from his four-walk blown save against the Red Sox on Apr. 6, turning in three straight scoreless appearances since.

There may not be a more trusted closer in the game right now than Helsley. Despite a lead-off single by Trea Turner that put the tying run to the plate, it took him just six pitches to retire Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and Nick Castellanos to end this game. He pumped his regular 100 mph fastballs and the Phillies had no chance. He is solid as a rock at the back of the Cardinals’ bullpen.