Nick Castellanos Goes Deep in the 9th, Padres Steal One From the Cards in 10 Innings

San Diego just pulled off one of those baseball moments that makes you jump off your couch. Nick Castellanos launched a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth to force extra innings, and then Manny Machado's sacrifice fly in the 10th gave the Padres a 3-2 walk-off win over St. Louis on Sunday at Petco Park. This one had drama written all over it.

Castellanos Delivers When It Matters Most

Down to the final strike, Castellanos worked the count to 3-2 against Cardinals closer Riley O'Brien and didn't miss. He ripped a two-run shot to left-center that scored Xander Bogaerts and forced the game into extras. It was only the second homer of the year for Castellanos, but man, was the timing perfect. O'Brien now has three blown saves in 14 chances this season. Bogaerts had singled to start the inning, moved to second on defensive indifference, and reached third on a wild pitch before Castellanos's heroics.

Machado Finishes the Job

In the 10th, Ramon Laureano started at second base, Jackson Merrill was intentionally walked, and then Gordon Graceffo (2-1) unintentionally walked Fernando Tatis Jr. to load the bases. That set up Machado perfectly, and his sacrifice fly brought home the winning run. Adrian Morejon (3-1) needed just one pitch in the Cardinals' half of the 10th, getting pinch hitter Jose Fermin on a popup to first to end it. The Padres split the four-game series and showed they can find ways to win even when things get tight.

Both Pitchers Were Sharp

This wasn't an offensive showcase. San Diego managed just 14 hits across the entire four-game set and left runners on base multiple times when they could have built a bigger lead. Padres starter Walker Buehler was solid through six innings, giving up three hits and two runs with no walks and two strikeouts. He retired the first 11 hitters before running into trouble in the fourth when Jordan Walker belted one an estimated 425 feet into the third deck of the Western Metal Supply building behind the left field wall for his 11th homer of the year. Meanwhile, St. Louis' Kyle Leahy was excellent in five scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and four walks while striking out five.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.