SAN DIEGO The Cardinals Jose Martinez is making the most of his opportunity. A series of injuries has opened the door for Martinez and his power was on display when St. Louis thumped the San Diego Padres 8-4 on Tuesday night.
Martinez smacked two home runs, rookie Harrison Bader added a career-high three RBIs and Michael Wacha survived a shaky start to last six innings as the streaking Cardinals won for the fifth time in six games.
Martinez added a double to go 3 for 3 and finish with three RBIs.
Bader, who was a September call-up on Friday, stroked his third home run and had his third multi-hit game since being summoned for his second stint with the club.
Wacha (11-7), who blanked the Padres over his last four innings, was charged with four runs (three earned) and seven hits. He walked three and struck out six in winning for the second straight time after suffering three consecutive losses.
Three Cardinals relievers shut out the Padres in the final three innings.
Game three of the four-game series is Wednesday night. Rookie Jack Flaherty (0-0) starts for the Cardinals while Dinelson Lamet (7-6) goes for the Padres. Game time is 9:10 with the pre-game at 8:15 on KTLO-AM.
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