In Wednesday afternoon’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals, the San Diego Padres clinched a 3-2 victory, avoiding a three-game sweep. Kyle Higashioka played a pivotal role, catching two baserunners stealing and homering in the same inning.
Higashioka’s performance earned him a spot in the record books, becoming only the sixth catcher since 1961 to accomplish such a feat. He joins the ranks of notable catchers like Sammy Taylor, Johnny Romano, Ted Simmons, Joe Ferguson, and Bengie Molina.
Higashioka capitalized on a full count against Cardinals pitcher Zack Thompson, launching a home run into left field, marking his first homer since August 29. Joe Musgrove delivered a strong performance on the mound, holding the Cardinals to one run and five hits over six innings, securing the win for the Padres.
Robert Suarez closed out the game with a five-out save, his third of the season, as the Padres held off a late rally by the Cardinals.
The Cardinals are returning home to face the Miami Marlins in their opener at Busch Stadium, with Lance Lynn scheduled to start. Meanwhile, the Padres will take on the San Francisco Giants, with new Padre Dylan Cease slated to start on the mound.
