Cardinals Rally Past Athletics 2-1 on Herrera’s Go-Ahead Homer

ST. LOUIS (Sept. 2, 2025) - Iván Herrera delivered a two-out, two-run shot in the sixth inning, and veteran right-hander Miles Mikolas spun six strong frames to lift the St. Louis Cardinals to a 2-1 victory over the Oakland Athletics at Busch Stadium Tuesday night.

Herrera, the 25-year-old catcher-turned-designated hitter, crushed a 414-foot Michael Kelly sweeper into the left-center bleachers after Victor Scott II drew a leadoff walk. It marked Herrera’s 13th home run of the season and his second in as many nights, giving St. Louis its first lead after falling behind 1-0 in the third inning.

Mikolas (7-10) limited the A’s to one run and five hits over six innings, avoiding his season-high homer total by keeping the ball in the park. He struck out four and walked none, earning his first win since July 25. Closer JoJo Romero protected the one-run margin with a scoreless ninth, sealing his sixth save.

The Athletics broke through in the third on a Nolan Kurtz RBI double off Mikolas, but St. Louis’ bullpen-featuring Sean Newcomb and Romero-shut the door the rest of the way. Hogan Harris, who relieved Luis Severino after five scoreless innings, took the loss for Oakland (64-77).

With the win, the Cardinals (70-71) inch closer to .500 in the National League Central, while the A’s remain mired in last place in the AL West. The teams conclude their three-game series Wednesday night, with Dakota Hudson set to take the mound for the Cardinals.