JJ Wetherholt helped the St. Louis Cardinals end a four-game losing streak with a key home run during a game at PNC Park on April 28. The rookie second baseman hit a game-tying homer in the ninth inning, contributing to a four-run rally that led to a 4-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first of a four-game series.
The result was significant for both Wetherholt and his team. Growing up in Mars, Pennsylvania, Wetherholt was once an avid Pirates fan and often visited PNC Park as a child. Monday marked his first appearance there as a Major League player.
“I really was just really trying to get on base and was able to put a good swing on the ball,” Wetherholt said after the game. “It was good to come through, but it was a great team win.” The Cardinals trailed by two runs entering the ninth before Pedro Pagés and Wetherholt hit back-to-back homers off Dennis Santana. José Fermín followed with a two-run double that gave St. Louis its winning margin.
Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said, “It says a lot that our guys were able to stay engaged and steal this game. That’s one of the great things about this team. Our guys always keep fighting.” Afterward, Marmol also described how special it was for Wetherholt’s family: “The cool part is when he hit the home run … all his family sitting in that one section all went crazy. That’s something you don’t forget.”
Before taking the field, Wetherholt reflected on playing against his childhood favorite team: “It’s kind of a goofy experience, but it’s such an honor to be here. Playing against the team you grew up rooting for will always hold a special place in your heart… Just being here as a kid and playing here a little bit in college was super cool.” Afterward, he stayed on the field for photos with his family.
Wetherholt has appeared in 28 games so far this season with six home runs and fourteen runs batted in while batting .238/.359/.429 as St. Louis’ top prospect.
Marmol praised Wetherholt’s approach: “He’s had an incredible season… not only offensively, but defensively, on the bases, his demeanor, what he brings to the club… He’s gone about his business as if he’s been here for several years… He’s confident enough of who he is as a person and player but never comfortable enough to not want to see what’s next.”
