Cardinals Secure Victory Over Padres with a Score of 9-7

ST. LOUIS: At Busch Stadium on Thursday, the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the San Diego Padres 9-7, propelled by three-run homers from Brendan Donovan and Willson Contreras.

The Padres initiated the game with momentum, establishing a 2-0 advantage early in the first inning. However, the Cardinals retaliated in the second inning with a surge of seven runs, seizing command of the contest.

Donovan ignited the rally, launching a three-run homer following a single from Jordan Walker and a walk by Victor Scott II.

Donovan continued his impressive performance by adding an RBI single in the fourth and a solo homer in the sixth inning, solidifying St. Louis’ scoring.

For the Padres, Manny Machado had an impressive showing, going three-for-five with a two-run homer, while Fernando Tatis Jr. also went three-for-five, including a solo homer and two runs.

Padres starter Yu Darvish (0-3) faced difficulties in his fourth start since returning from the injured list, surrendering eight runs in just three and one-third innings.

This win marks the Cardinals’ second in seven games since the All-Star break and represents manager Oliver Marmol’s 300th career victory.

San Diego mounted a comeback effort in the fifth inning, narrowing the gap to 8-7, with contributions from Jackson Merrill, Xander Bogaerts, and Gavin Sheets. Bryce Johnson reached base on an error, which allowed Bogaerts to score.

Ivan Herrera’s home run in the sixth inning increased St. Louis’ lead to 9-7, securing the victory for the home team.

The Padres will aim to rebound on Friday, with Nick Pivetta slated to start against the Cardinals’ Miles Mikolas.