Worth noting

• Continuing his rotation of designated hitters, manager Mike Matheny had Carlos Beltran serve in that role on Saturday. It marked the second time in the last four games that Beltran has been the team's DH.

• With this being the Cardinals' first trip to Oakland since 2007, the majority of players on the roster are making their first ever stop at the O.co Coliseum. And to those who have never been here before -- or, like Matheny, hadn't been back in several years -- the atmosphere has left an impression. There are bells, flags, horns and drums to hear and see. Barking dogs were part of the mix on Friday, too, as part of a Pup at the Park event.

"It reminded me of [playing in the] Dominican and Puerto Rico with all the drums," Matheny said. "There is so much excitement. There is a lot of life. For us, we love that stuff. The worst scenario is going to a place where it's just dead and you can hear the guy in the first row of the upper deck. That's not a good environment. I love all the noise. I haven't been to another place that has this. It's just different here. But it's good. It's a great atmosphere."

• This series between St. Louis and Oakland features two of the three Major League closers to save at least seven games and not blow a save this season. Edward Mujica has converted all 21 of his save opportunities, while Grant Balfour is 18-for-18. Dating back to May 2012, Balfour has converted 36 straight save chances.

• Despite entering Saturday with a 4-6 record in Interleague Play this season, the Cardinals still hold the best overall Interleague winning percentage (.527) in the National League.