Michael Siani hit a crucial two-run single in the 12th inning, leading the St. Louis Cardinals to a 7-4 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday night.
Siani came to bat after a wild pitch by Elvis Peguero (7-4) moved runners to second and third base. He hit a single to left field, putting the Cardinals ahead 6-4.
Siani then stole second base and advanced to third when catcher William Contreras made a throwing error. This set up a sacrifice fly by Alec Burleson.
Ryan Helsley (7-4) pitched two innings for the win, striking out four batters. The All-Star closer was aiming for his 43rd save, but Willy Adames hit a two-out RBI double in the 11th inning for Milwaukee.
Siani almost made a spectacular diving catch on Adames’ liner to center field, but the ball popped out of his glove as his right arm got tangled in the grass. The Cardinals challenged the call, but the ruling was upheld.
The replay official determined that Siani “failed to maintain firm and secure possession of the ball throughout the catch,” according to a Major League Baseball statement.
Siani was playing his second game after missing nearly a month with a right oblique strain.
“I tried my best to move past the play in the outfield and make something happen with the bat,” he said.
Paul Goldschmidt homered for St. Louis, which won for the third time in four games, improving to 70-69. Goldschmidt, who had three hits and three RBIs, is on a 10-game hitting streak.
“I just love the way they are going about it right now,” St. Louis manager Oliver Marmol said. “You’re going to lose some, you’re going to win some, but just the mentality and effort and focus. Tough win, I liked it.”
