The Padres avoided a sweep against the Cardinals Wednesday and a newcomer played a big role.
That would be Kyle Higashioka, acquired in the Juan Soto trade – and did it all in the fourth inning of the Friars’ 3-2 win.
The catcher threw out two runners – Brendan Donovan and Nolan Arenado – trying to steal second base, then added a home run in the bottom of the inning for good measure.
It’s not unprecedented, according to MLB.com. Former Angel catcher Benjie Molina accomplished the feat in 2000.
“I feel that throwing out the guys is kind of my job,” the catcher told MLB. “The homer is a bonus.”
Higashioka’s run turned out to be the difference as Joe Musgrove, who went six innings, giving up five hits and one run while striking out seven, logged his first win of the season. Robert Suarez, in 1.2 innings of work in which he struck out two, earned his third save.
The Padres’ other two runs scored on a Jurickson Profar walk in the first and a Fernando Tatis Jr. force play in the second.
After an off day Thursday, the Padres travel to San Francisco for a three-game set, with Dylan Cease, Michael King and Matt Waldron set to take the mound. It’s not a long trip though – they return promptly on Monday to welcome the Chicago Cubs to Petco Park for three games.
