Overview
- Nelson Velázquez, promoted from Triple-A Memphis, hit a three-run homer on the first pitch he saw to tie the game early in the first inning on Friday night.
- Thomas Saggese and Iván Herrera added solo home runs later in the game to fuel a multi-homer comeback that produced the Cardinals’ six runs.
- Starters produced short outings with Andre Pallante lasting three innings and Shota Imanaga pitching 5 1/3 innings, which forced St. Louis to use a six-man relief sequence.
- Gordon Graceffo earned the win with a clean inning and Riley O’Brien recorded the save despite allowing a run on a groundout, sealing the 6-5 final.
- The victory ended St. Louis’ four-game skid, highlighted Velázquez’s first major-league appearance since June 23, 2024, and sets up Saturday’s nationally televised rematch with Ben Brown facing Kyle Leahy.