Iván Herrera’s Homer Sparks Fifth-Inning Rally as Cardinals Edge Giants 6–5

Reuters Images

San Francisco, CA – In a back-and-forth contest that saw both teams exchange leads, Iván Herrera’s clutch two-run homer in the fifth inning propelled the St. Louis Cardinals to a 6–5 win over the San Francisco Giants on Monday night at Oracle Park. Herrera’s game-tying blast came in the top of the fifth, erasing a 4–2 deficit and shifting momentum to the Cardinals. Shortly after, San Francisco second baseman Casey Schmitt committed a costly error that allowed the go-ahead run to score. Jordan Walker followed with an RBI groundout to cap off a four-run inning that proved decisive. Michael McGreevy (8–3), who had entered the game riding an 11-inning scoreless streak, surrendered five runs on six hits over five innings, including a leadoff home run to Heliot Ramos. Despite the shaky outing, he was credited with the win. JoJo Romero closed out the game with a flawless ninth inning, earning his eighth save of the season and securing the victory for St. Louis. José Fermín chipped in offensively with two doubles and an RBI, helping the Cardinals maintain their edge after taking the lead.

For the Giants, veteran starter Justin Verlander (3–11) was tagged for six runs on nine hits over just 4 1/3 innings. The three-time Cy Young winner came into the game with a 0.36 ERA over his last four starts, but struggled to find his rhythm against a persistent St. Louis lineup.

San Francisco’s offense was highlighted by Ramos, who continued his breakout season with a solo homer in the first and a two-run single in the fourth. His performance marked his 40th multi-hit game of the season, a milestone last achieved by a Giants outfielder in 2016 when Denard Span recorded 46 such games. Rafael Devers also added a solo home run in the fifth for the Giants. A notable debut came from top prospect Bryce Eldridge, who made his Oracle Park debut as designated hitter. At just 20 years and 337 days old, he became the youngest Giants position player to appear at home since Madison Bumgarner pinch-hit in 2010.

A standout defensive moment occurred in the second inning when San Francisco executed a rare 6–2–5–4 double play. Cardinals manager Carlos Marmol argued the call, believing the ball struck Walker’s foot, but the play was not reviewable.

Up Next

The series continues Tuesday night with Cardinals right-hander Andre Pallante (6–14, 5.23 ERA) set to face Giants ace Logan Webb (14–11, 3.27 ERA).