Masyn Winn hit a solo home run and Sonny Gray pitched six strong innings, helping the St. Louis Cardinals secure a 4-1 win over the San Diego Padres on Thursday to split their four-game series.
“I just go out there and try to have a good time and whatever happens, happens,” Winn said. “I’ve been through some ups and downs this year. I just keep working.”
Winn, a rookie, scored the game-winning run on Wednesday after hitting a two-out single to start the rally in the ninth inning. In the four games against the Padres, Winn had nine hits in 17 at-bats.
“He continues to take impressive at-bats,” said St. Louis manager Oliver Marmol. “It’s like he can almost do whatever he wants. It’s been fun to watch him. He continues to grow.”
Iván Herrera and rookie Victor Scott II each had two hits for St. Louis. Scott also got his first career bunt single.
“My confidence is up,” Scott said. “It’s always fun to have success and see success on the field.”
Gray (12-9), who had lost his last three starts, held the Padres to three hits and one run without any walks.
“I felt good. I was throwing strikes,” Gray said. “I was trying to mix my pitches.” Ryan Helsley got his MLB-leading 41st save in 44 opportunities by pitching a perfect ninth inning.
Michael King (11-8) pitched 4 1/3 innings before leaving with the bases loaded. He gave up two runs on six hits and four walks.
“I went too deep into the counts,” King said.
