The Cardinals had 19 wins by the last day of April, the most in franchise history.

  St. Louis had the toughest schedule to start out the 2019 campaign, playing 22 of their 29 games against teams with a record .500 or better — the highest number in the MLB. That includes a four game sweep of the reigning National League Champions — Los Angeles Dodgers — and a three game sweep of the defending National League Central Champions — the Milwaukee Brewers. Their record in April led the Major Leagues, slightly surpassing the Tampa Bay Rays’.

  “It has been insane watching this team perform the way they have so far,” junior Blake Haffer said.

  One of the catalysts to their hot start has been shortstop Paul DeJong. Last year, he missed considerable time with a fractured hand, although in 2019 he leads the team and the league in many stats. His fourteen doubles is the highest mark in the Major Leagues, and his batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and on base plus slugging percentage lead the team.

 “DeJong’s start to the season has been MVP worthy,” junior Ethan Seymore said.

  In the bullpen, the Redbirds have been among the best in the league. Their pen has been headlined by Jordan Hicks, John Brebbia, John Gant and Andrew Miller. Hicks has assumed the closer role, already amassing nine saves on the year, with none blown. Miller allowed more than his fair share of home-run balls early on, although the stats show he has settled into his late-inning role. The same can be said about John Gant and John Brebbia, who have both given up less than three runs in the 2019 campaign.

 “There has really been no weak spot in the bullpen, and Hicks has been unhittable,” junior Ethan Markovich said.

  A month into the season, the Cardinals have the best record in the Major Leagues.