Cardinals' Powerful Offense Faces Marlins' Pitching at loanDepot Park

Miami welcomes back All-Star outfielder Kyle Stowers as they try to cool down the surging St. Louis Cardinals

Apr. 20, 2026 at 9:59am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball game between the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals, with the players' uniforms and the field breaking down into sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant colors.As the Miami Marlins host the surging St. Louis Cardinals, a cubist-inspired illustration captures the dynamic energy of their high-stakes matchup.Coral Gables Today

The Miami Marlins open a three-game home series tonight against the surging St. Louis Cardinals, who arrive on a five-game win streak and a powerful offense. Miami counters with starter Max Meyer and welcomes back All-Star outfielder Kyle Stowers, just activated from the injured list, as they try to slow down the Cardinals' hot bats.

Why it matters

The Marlins have struggled recently, while the Cardinals have been one of the hottest teams in baseball. This series could be an important early-season test for Miami as they look to keep pace in the NL East. The return of Stowers also provides a boost to the Marlins' lineup as they try to cool down the Cardinals' explosive offense.

The details

The Cardinals have been led by their deep lineup, which has powered their recent surge. Miami will counter with young pitcher Max Meyer, who has shown flashes of brilliance this season. The Marlins are also getting a boost with the return of All-Star outfielder Kyle Stowers, who was just activated from the injured list and is expected to provide a lift to their lineup.

  • The three-game series begins tonight at loanDepot Park in Miami.
  • The Marlins and Cardinals last faced off in a four-game series in St. Louis in early April, with the Cardinals taking three of four games.

The players

Max Meyer

The Marlins' young starting pitcher who will take the mound against the Cardinals.

Kyle Stowers

The Marlins' All-Star outfielder who was recently activated from the injured list and is expected to provide a boost to Miami's lineup.

St. Louis Cardinals

The surging National League team that has won five straight games and boasts a powerful offensive attack.

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What they’re saying

“We must be ready to face one of the hottest teams in baseball. Our pitching staff will need to be on top of their game to slow down their lineup.”

— Don Mattingly, Marlins Manager

“Getting Stowers back is a big boost for us. He's a game-changer, and we're excited to have him back in the lineup as we take on this tough Cardinals team.”

— Sandy Alcantara, Marlins Pitcher

What’s next

The Marlins and Cardinals will play the second game of their three-game series on Tuesday night at loanDepot Park.

The takeaway

This series will be an important early-season test for the Marlins as they try to keep pace in the NL East. The return of Kyle Stowers provides a boost, but the team will need strong pitching performances to slow down the Cardinals' powerful offense.