Photos: St. Louis Cardinals crushed the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-0 for the 2022 home opener
See photos taken from the St. Louis Cardinals pre-game batting practice before the 3:15 p.m. first pitch. Keep checking this gallery as it will be updated throughout the end of today's game.
Photos by St. Louis Post-Dispatch staff photographers
St. Louis Cardinals open the season at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates
St. Louis Cardinals Nolan Arenado (28) high-fives Tyler O'Neill (27) after O'Neill hit a three-run homerun in the second inning of a baseball game between the Cardinals and the Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Bader and Goldschmidt scored. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals open the season at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates
St. Louis Cardinals Tyler O'Neill (27) runs to first after hitting a three-run homerun in the second inning of a baseball game between the Cardinals and the Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals open the season at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates
St. Louis Cardinals Dylan Carlson (3) scores on a RBI single by St. Louis Cardinals Tyler O'Neill (27) in the first inning of a baseball game between the Cardinals and the Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals open the season at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates
St. Louis Cardinals Harrison Bader (48) legs a single in the second inning of a baseball game between the Cardinals and the Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals open the season at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes (13) and left fielder Ben Gamel (18) can't field double hit by by St. Louis Cardinals Dylan Carlson (3) in the first baseball game between the Cardinals and the Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals open the season at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates
St. Louis Cardinals Dylan Carlson (3) slides into second base after hitting a double in the first inning of a baseball game between the Cardinals and the Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pound the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-0 in home opener
St. Louis Cardinals Albert Pujols (5) and catcher Yadier Molina (4) celebrate the Cardinals 9-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates in their home opener on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pound the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-0 in home opener
St. Louis Cardinals Nolan Arenado (28) hits a two-run home run in the eighth inning of a baseball game between the Cardinals and the Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Paul Goldschmidt scored on the home run. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pound the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-0 in home opener
St. Louis Cardinals Dylan Carlson (3) congratulates Nolan Arenado (28) after Arenado hit a two-run home run in the eighth inning of a baseball game between the Cardinals and the Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Paul Goldschmidt scored on the home run. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pound the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-0 in home opener
St. Louis Cardinals Nolan Arenado (28) hits a two-run home run in the eighth inning of a baseball game between the Cardinals and the Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Paul Goldschmidt scored on the home run. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pound the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-0 in home opener
St. Louis Cardinals Nolan Arenado (28) hits a two-run home run in the eighth inning of a baseball game between the Cardinals and the Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Paul Goldschmidt scored on the home run. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pound the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-0 in home opener
St. Louis Cardinals Oliver Marmol congratulates St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Ryan Helsley (56) on Cardinals 9-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates in their home opener on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pound the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-0 in home opener
St. Louis Cardinals Nolan Arenado (28) hits a two-run home run in the eighth inning of a baseball game between the Cardinals and the Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Paul Goldschmidt scored on the home run. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pound the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-0 in home opener
St. Louis Cardinals Albert Pujols (5) and catcher Yadier Molina (4) celebrate the Cardinals 9-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates in their home opener on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pound the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-0 in home opener
St. Louis Cardinals Dylan Carlson (3) slides home avoiding a tag from Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Roberto Perez (55) to score in the eighth inning of a baseball game between the Cardinals and the Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals open the season at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates
St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright (50) sits in the dugout during the second inning of a baseball game between the Cardinals and the Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pound the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-0 in home opener
St. Louis Cardinals Tommy Edman (19) rounds first base after hitting a solo home run in the eighth inning of a baseball game between the Cardinals and the Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals open the season at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates
St. Louis Cardinals Albert Pujols (5) readies for a potential at bat standing beside catcher Yadier Molina (4) in the sixth inning of a baseball game between the Cardinals and the Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pound the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-0 in home opener
St. Louis Cardinals third base coach Ron 'Pop' Warner waves Tommy Edman (19) after Edman hit a solo home run in the eighth inning of a baseball game between the Cardinals and the Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pound the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-0 in home opener
St. Louis Cardinals Tommy Edman (19) rounds first base after hitting a solo home run in the eighth inning of a baseball game between the Cardinals and the Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pound the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-0 in home opener
St. Louis Cardinals Dylan Carlson (3) slides home avoiding a tag from Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Roberto Perez (55) to score in the eighth inning of a baseball game between the Cardinals and the Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pound the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-0 in home opener
St. Louis Cardinals Tommy Edman (19) rounds first base after hitting a solo home run in the eighth inning of a baseball game between the Cardinals and the Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals open the season at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates
St. Louis Cardinals Albert Pujols (5) acknowledges the crowd by tipping his helmet during his first at bat in the first inning of a baseball game between the Cardinals and the Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals open the season at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates
Fans pull out their camera phones during St. Louis Cardinal Albert Pujols (5) first at bat in the first inning of a baseball game between the Cardinals and the Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals open the season at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates
St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Harrison Bader (48) catches a line drive by Pittsburgh Pirates Yoshi Tsutsugo (25) during the second inning of baseball game between the Cardinals and the Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Harrison Bader and Paul Goldschmidt scored. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals open the season at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates
St. Louis Cardinals Yadier Molina (4) acknowledges the crowd by tipping his helmet during his first at bat in the first inning of a baseball game between the Cardinals and the Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinal infielder Tommy Edman covers as Paul DeJong scoops up a ground ball on Thursday, April 7, 2022, during the opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinal pitcher Adam Wainwright throws in the first inning on Thursday, April 7, 2022, during the opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinal pitcher Adam Wainwright takes a deep breath before throwing his first pitch on Thursday, April 7, 2022, during the opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinal slugger Albert Pujols tips his hat to fans before his first at bat upon return to the team on Thursday, April 7, 2022, during the opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
Pittsburgh Pirate infielder Ke'Bryan Hayes leaves the game after being seen by the team trainer in the first inning on Thursday, April 7, 2022, of the Cardinal's opening-day game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
Pittsburgh Pirate infielder Ke'Bryan Hayes leaves the game after being seen by the team trainer in the first inning on Thursday, April 7, 2022, of the Cardinal's opening-day game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pregame ceremonies
St. Louis Cardinals Tyler O'Neill (27) and Dylan Carlson (3) high-five teammates during the Cardinals pregame ceremonies before the start of the home opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pregame ceremonies
Fans acknowledge the St. Louis Hall of Famers during the St. Louis Cardinals pregame ceremonies before the start of the home opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pregame ceremonies
St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Giovanny Gallegos (65) raises his arms to the crowd Mark during the Cardinals pregame ceremonies before the start of the home opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pregame ceremonies
St. Louis Cardinals Albert Pujols (5) hugs Hall of Famer Mark MCGwire during the St. Louis Cardinals pregame ceremonies before the start of the home opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pregame ceremonies
St. Louis Cardinals Albert Pujols (5) acknowledges the crowd during the St. Louis Cardinals pregame ceremonies before the start of the home opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pregame ceremonies
St. Louis Cardinals Albert Pujols (5) hugs Hall of Famer Mark MCGwire during the St. Louis Cardinals pregame ceremonies before the start of the home opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pregame ceremonies
St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright (50)shakes hands with Hall of Famer Vince Coleman during the St. Louis Cardinals pregame ceremonies before the start of the home opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pregame ceremonies
St. Louis Cardinals Adam Wainwright (50), Albert Pujols (5) and Yadier Molina (4) pose for a photo during the St. Louis Cardinals pregame ceremonies before the start of the home opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pregame ceremonies
Fans acknowledge St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol (37) during the St. Louis Cardinals pregame ceremonies before the start of the home opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pregame ceremonies
St. Louis Cardinals Albert Pujols (5) stands with his teammates during the national anthem before the start of the home opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pregame ceremonies
The Budweiser Clydesdales trot around Busch Stadium during the St. Louis Cardinals pregame ceremonies before the start of the home opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals 2022 opening day
Members of the St. Louis Cardinals high-five each other during introductions as part of opening day ceremonies at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on Thursday, April 7, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals 2022 opening day
Former St. Louis Cardinal Mark McGwire waves to fans as he circles the stadium during opening day ceremonies at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on Thursday, April 7, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
A plane flies the Ukrainian flag above Busch Stadium on Thursday, April 7, 2022, during ceremonies before the Cardinals' opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
The Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales parade through Busch Stadium on Thursday, April 7, 2022, during ceremonies before the Cardinals' opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals opening day 2022
Gerry Hager, from Florissant, bundles up against the cold and wind for her first opening at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. on Thursday, April 7, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals opening day 2022
Shelly Schroder, left, and Melba Pulaski, from Troy, Ill. cheer the St. Louis Cardinals scoring a run in the first inning at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. on Thursday, April 7, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals opening day 2022
The Budweiser Clydesdales round the warning track during opening day ceremonies before the start of the St. Louis Cardinals 2022 season at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. on Thursday, April 7, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals opening day 2022
The Pittsburgh Pirates and the St. Louis Cardinals line up on the baselines in front of a stadium full of fans for the national anthem during opening day ceremonies at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. on Thursday, April 7, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals opening day 2022
Baseball Hall of Famer and St. Louis Cardinals legend Ozzie Smith acknowledges the crowd as he rides into Busch Stadium during opening day ceremonies before the start of the St. Louis Cardinals 2022 in St. Louis, Mo. on Thursday, April 7, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinal Hall of Fame player Jason Isringhausen waves to fans on Thursday, April 7, 2022, during ceremonies before the team's opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinal Hall of Fame outfielder Jim Edmonds waves to fans on Thursday, April 7, 2022, during ceremonies before the team's opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinal fans fill the seats of Busch Stadium on Thursday, April 7, 2022, before the team's opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinal Hall of Fame outfielder Vince Coleman waves to fans on Thursday, April 7, 2022, during ceremonies before the team's opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinal outfielder Harrison Bader greets Hall of Fame Cardinal Tim McCarver on Thursday, April 7, 2022, during ceremonies before the team's opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinal Hall of Fame infielder Scott Rolen waves to fans on Thursday, April 7, 2022, during ceremonies before the team's opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
The Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales enter the stadium on Thursday, April 7, 2022, during ceremonies before the Cardinals' opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinal Hall of Fame pitcher John Tudor waves to fans on Thursday, April 7, 2022, during ceremonies before the team's opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinal mascot Fred Bird waves to fans while launching tee shirts to them on Thursday, April 7, 2022, during ceremonies before the team's opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinal Hall of Fame manager Whitey Herzog waves to fans on Thursday, April 7, 2022, during ceremonies before the team's opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinal Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith waves to fans on Thursday, April 7, 2022, during ceremonies before the team's opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinal Hall of Fame manager Whitey Herzog greets Bill DeWitt II on Thursday, April 7, 2022, during ceremonies before the team's opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinal Hall of Fame player Ray Lankford waves to fans on Thursday, April 7, 2022, during ceremonies before the team's opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinal mascot Fred Bird waves to fans on Thursday, April 7, 2022, during ceremonies before the team's opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals open the season at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates
St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Tyler O'Neill (27) and St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Dylan Carlson (3) sign autographs in the photo well before the start of the home opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals open the season at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates
St. Louis Cardinals Paul Goldschmidt, from left, Albert Pujols, and Lars Nootbaar warm up before the start of the Cardinals home opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals open the season at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates
St. Louis Cardinals Harrison Bader (48) takes batting practice before the start of the home opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals open the season at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates
St. Louis Cardinals Yadier Molina (4) warms up before the start of the home opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals open the season at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates
Fans cheer as St. Louis Cardinals Albert Pujols (5) walks into the dugout after batting practice before the start of the home opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals open the season at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates
St. Louis Cardinals Albert Pujols (5) walks to the dugout after finishing batting practice before the start of the home opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals open the season at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates
St. Louis Cardinals Albert Pujols (5) takes batting practice before the start of the Cardinals home opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals open the season at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates
St. Louis Cardinals Albert Pujols (5) jokes with Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol during batting practice before the Cardinals home opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals open the season at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates
St. Louis Cardinals Albert Pujols (5) takes batting practice before the start of the home opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals open the season at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates
St. Louis Cardinals Paul Goldschmidt (46), center, warms up with teammate before the start of the home opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals open the season at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates
St. Louis Cardinals Albert Pujols (5) takes the field for batting practice before the start of the Cardinals home opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals open the season at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates
St. Louis Cardinals Albert Pujols (5) takes the field for batting practice before the start of the Cardinals home opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals opening day 2022
Nolan Arenado crosses home plate and celebrates as designated hitter Albert Pujols waits to congratulate him on his eighth inning home run during the St. Louis Cardinals 9-0 opening day win over the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. on Thursday, April 7, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals opening day 2022
Dylan Carlson slides home safely in the eighth inning on a sacrifice fly by Tyler O'Neill as part of the St. Louis Cardinals 9-0 opening day win over the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. on Thursday, April 7, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals opening day 2022
Ryan Helsley pitches in the ninth inning of the St. Louis Cardinals 9-0 opening day win over the Pittsburgh Pirtates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. on Thursday, April 7, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals opening day 2022
Yadier Molina and Ryan Helsley talk after Helsley recorded the last out the St. Louis Cardinals 9-0 opening day win over the Pittsburgh Pirtates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. on Thursday, April 7, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
Left to right: St. Louis Cardinal catcher Yadier Molina, pitcher Adam Wainwright, pitching coach Mike Maddux and coach Dusty Blake leave the bullpen on Thursday, April 7, 2022, to start the opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
Pittsburgh Pirate infielder Ke'Bryan Hayes leaves home plate after striking out on Thursday, April 7, 2022, in the first inning of the Cardinal's opening-day game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinal infielder Tommy Edman recoils from a close pitch on Thursday, April 7, 2022, in the eighth inning of the opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinal pitcher Ryan Helsley prepares to throw in the eighth inning on Thursday, April 7, 2022, in the opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals 9, Pirates 0
St. Louis Cardinals celebrate on Thursday, April 7, 2022, after winning the opening-day game 9-0 against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinal infielder Tommy Edman is congratulated at home plate on Thursday, April 7, 2022, by Dylan Carlson and Paul Goldschmidt after hitting a home run in eighth inning of the opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinal outfielder Harrison Bader is congratulated after scoring on Thursday, April 7, 2022, off a sixth inning sacrifice fly by Dylan Carlson in the opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinal outfielder Harrison Bader celebrates a double on Thursday, April 7, 2022, in the sixth inning of the opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
Left to right: St. Louis Cardinal catcher Yadier Molina, pitcher Adam Wainwright, pitching coach Mike Maddux and coach Dusty Blake leave the bullpen on Thursday, April 7, 2022, to start the opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinal bench coach Skip Schumaker makes his way to the dugout on Thursday, April 7, 2022, before the opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinal infielder Tommy Edman celebrates at home plate on Thursday, April 7, 2022, after he hit a home run in eighth inning of the opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinal pitcher Ryan Helsley throws in the eight inning on Thursday, April 7, 2022, in the opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinal infielder Nolan Arenado celebrates a home run on Thursday, April 7, 2022, in eighth inning of the opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinal catcher Yadier Molina twists after a hard swing and miss on Thursday, April 7, 2022, in the opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinal outfielder Dylan Carlson scores off a Tyler O'Neill sacrifice fly on Thursday, April 7, 2022, as Pirate catcher Roberto Perez gets the ball late in the eighth inning of the opening-day game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinal fans fill the seats of Busch Stadium during the national anthem on Thursday, April 7, 2022, before the team's opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinal manager Oliver Marmol congratulates infielder Tommy Edman on Thursday, April 7, 2022, after he hit a home run in eighth inning of the opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinal infielder Nolan Arenado is congratulated by Pop Warner on Thursday, April 7, 2022, after hitting a home run in eighth inning of the opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals host opening day at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinal infielder Nolan Arenado hits a home run on Thursday, April 7, 2022, in eighth inning of the opening-day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals pound the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-0 in home opener
St. Louis Cardinals Nolan Arenado (28) smiles after hitting a two-run home run in the eighth inning of a baseball game between the Cardinals and the Pirates on Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. Paul Goldschmidt scored on the home run. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Christian Gooden
Christian Gooden is a photographer for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Laurie Skrivan
Laurie Skrivan is a photographer at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Said Pujols: “Just to be back here, where everything started for me, and to try to finish my career here and finish strong with a championship, I think it’s pretty special."
How much fun is Adam Wainwright having? Even a traffic jam brings him joy.
Former slugger relates how he told manager La Russa it would be 'dumb' not to take rookie Pujols onto the team.
The Pirates are going to be terrible again this season. But had they lost third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes to a serious injury in first inning on Opening Day, that would have been catastrophic.
We are not used to hearing recent Cardinals managers swing away so freely with the barrel of blunt honesty.
Every player in opening-day lineup hit double-figure home runs last season. Wainwright is 21-7 against Pirates and has 99 career wins at Busch.
The 131st season in the National League begins with a DH in the lineup and a need to improve at home, where offense sagged toward bottom of baseball.
The St. Louis Cardinals hosted a pep rally at Cardinals Nation ahead of their 2022 opening day game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on Thursday,…
O'Neill becomes first Cardinal hitter since 1928 with five RBIs on opening day, while Wainwright pitches six scoreless for 100th win at Busch III.