Miles Mikolas led a strong pitching effort as the St. Louis Cardinals combined to shut out the San Diego Padres 3-0 on Friday night. Mikolas (6-7) delivered five-plus innings of solid work, allowing seven hits, striking out one, and issuing no walks, while four Cardinals relievers closed out the game.
Relievers Steven Matz, Phil Maton, JoJo Romero, and Ryan Helsley each pitched an inning. Helsley secured his 21st save by working carefully around a ninth-inning single, preserving the clean sheet for the Cardinals.
Offensive Contributions Push Cardinals Ahead in Standings
Masyn Winn propelled the Cardinals’ offense with a pivotal two-run double, helping to extend their lead in this matchup. The Cardinals’ victory marked their second consecutive win against the Padres and moved them within 1 1/2 games of securing the final National League wild-card slot.
Padres starter Nick Pivetta (10-3) pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing three runs, two earned, on three hits and two walks. However, San Diego slipped to its fourth straight loss as the Cardinals’ pitching and timely hitting outweighed the Padres’ efforts.
Game Highlights Include Early Aggression and Key Defensive Plays
The Cardinals took an early 1-0 lead in the second inning following an intense moment when Pivetta hit Cardinals leadoff hitter Willson Contreras with a pitch, sparking a brief confrontation between the two. Players from both teams gathered on the field, but no brawl ensued, with umpires cautioning both sides to avoid retaliatory pitches.
Despite the tension, the Cardinals capitalized as Nolan Arenado reached base due to an error by second baseman Jake Cronenworth. Masyn Winn advanced the runners with a bunt, and Yohel Pozo drove in a run with a groundout to give St. Louis the lead.
The Padres had scoring opportunities, such as in the third inning when Elias Diaz and Fernando Tatis reached scoring positions, but failed to convert as Luis Arraez flied out and Manny Machado grounded out. A baserunning mistake in the fourth inning further hindered San Diego’s chances, allowing Mikolas to escape the frame unscathed.
Cardinals Solidify Lead with Key Plays in Fourth Inning
In the bottom of the fourth, St. Louis extended their advantage to 3-0. After Pivetta walked Contreras and Arenado, a wild pitch allowed the runners to advance, setting the stage for Winn’s decisive two-run double through left-center field. This hit provided a cushion the Cardinals would maintain for the rest of the game.
Implications for Playoff Race and Future Outlook
This victory enhances the Cardinals’ position in the crowded National League wild-card race, bringing them closer to postseason contention. The combination of dominant pitching and timely offensive execution will be crucial as St. Louis aims to sustain momentum down the stretch. Meanwhile, the Padres look to recover from their recent skid and regain consistency as they pursue their playoff goals.
“–Field Level Media”
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who is Miles Mikolas’ wife?
A. Mikolas is married to Lauren Mikolas. She previously worked as an elementary school teacher and a UFC ring girl. Additionally, she is a certified wellness coach. In Japan, she gained fame on social media through her lifestyle blog.