PHOENIX (AP) — Rookie JJ Wetherholt hit a solo homer, Iván Herrera had the go-ahead sacrifice fly in the ninth inning and the St. Louis Cardinals edged the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-4 on Friday night.
Masyn Winn had a three-RBI night with a two-run single in the first and a sacrifice fly in the eighth.
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St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Michael McGreevy throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning of a baseball game, Friday, July 17, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly throws against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning of a baseball game, Friday, July 17, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona Diamondbacks' Gabriel Moreno hits a double against the St. Louis Cardinals in the fourth inning of a baseball game, Friday, July 17, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
St. Louis Cardinals' JJ Wetherholt celebrates with Iván Herrera (48) after hitting a solo home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the fifth inning of a baseball game, Friday, July 17, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
In the decisive ninth, José Fermín led off with a single that deflected off the glove of closer Paul Sewald. Jimmy Crooks followed with a walk, Wetherholt lined a single to center to load the bases with no outs and Herrera lofted a fly ball to left that was deep enough to break the tie.
All-Star Riley O'Brien got his 25th save despite a eventful bottom of the ninth. The hard-throwing right-hander gave up a leadoff walk to Nolan Arenado before picking off pinch runner Jorge Barrosa. Tim Tawa followed with a two-out double but O'Brien caught Ketel Marte looking at strike three for the final out of the game.
Cardinals right-hander Michael McGreevy gave up two runs, including one earned, on six hits and a walk over 6 1/3 innings. The 26-year-old struck out five, walked one and has a 1.46 ERA over his last four starts.
The Cardinals led 4-2 in the eighth inning, but the D-backs tied it on Corbin Carroll's two-run homer that barely cleared the fence and hit the foul pole in right. It was the All-Star's first homer since June 17.
Wetherholt — who recently signed a $112.5 million, eight-year deal with the Cardinals through 2034 — reached base three times and crushed a 402-foot homer to right field in the fifth inning to give St. Louis a 3-2 advantage. It was the second baseman's 14th long ball of the season.
D-backs right-hander Merrill Kelly gave up three runs, but only one earned, over five innings.
The D-backs will start RHP Brandon Pfaadt (3-1, 4.70 ERA) on Saturday while the Cardinals counter with RHP Dustin May (5-6, 4.55).
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Michael McGreevy throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning of a baseball game, Friday, July 17, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly throws against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning of a baseball game, Friday, July 17, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona Diamondbacks' Gabriel Moreno hits a double against the St. Louis Cardinals in the fourth inning of a baseball game, Friday, July 17, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
St. Louis Cardinals' JJ Wetherholt celebrates with Iván Herrera (48) after hitting a solo home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the fifth inning of a baseball game, Friday, July 17, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
The cricket world united in mourning the death of the great Garry Sobers on Friday.
Considered by many to be the greatest cricketer because he was a brilliant batter, bowler, fielder and captain, Sobers died at his home in Bridgetown, Barbados, at age 89.
He played only two first-class matches before making his test debut for the West Indies in 1954 and stayed there for 20 years. He captained for seven years.
Some notable reactions:
“Sir Garfield Sobers was not only the finest all-rounder the game has ever known, but one of the greatest cricketers in history. He helped shape the identity of West Indies cricket during one of its most celebrated eras and leaves behind an indelible mark on the history of our game. He will be remembered with immense admiration and gratitude, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.” — on X
"As three Barbadians, we are reminded that even those who emerge from our shores can go on to represent something much greater. Sir Garry's journey from Barbados to becoming the greatest cricketer the world has ever seen remains one of the most inspiring stories in the history of our game. He showed that while our individual islands shape who we are, the West Indies provides a platform for us to unite, compete and inspire on the world stage. Sir Garry’s brilliance, humility, and commitment set a standard that continues to guide every generation that follows. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. We celebrate a life that transcended boundaries and a legacy that will forever live in the story of cricket, the spirit of the Caribbean and the hearts of all who love the game." — in a statement
There are moments in the story of a people when the life of one individual becomes woven into the hopes, dreams, and identity of generations. Today, the Caribbean mourns the passing of such an individual ... His mastery of batting, bowling and fielding was unparalleled, but his true significance reached far beyond the boundary ropes. He emerged from the Caribbean at a time when our region was finding its voice and asserting its place on the world stage. Through his excellence, he gave millions across our islands and in the diaspora, a renewed belief in what was possible. He showed that greatness was not confined by the size of our nations, the geography of our islands or the circumstances of our beginnings. Sir Garfield Sobers became more than a sporting icon. He became a symbol of Caribbean excellence, resilience, and possibility. His achievements brought pride to Barbados, inspiration to the West Indies and admiration from every corner of the cricketing world." — in a statement
“This is probably the saddest day for the game of cricket. The greatest cricketer to walk the earth has left us. No words can ever do justice to Sir Garfield Sobers the cricketer. He was everything we dream of becoming when we pick up the bat or the ball as kids. Memories keep flooding back and that's what I will be holding forever close to my heart.” — on social media
"Anyone who saw him in his pomp will have wonderful memories of the greatest all-rounder, an icon, a once-in-your-lifetime cricketer. And even more important, a lovely man. I just loved the way Garry walked out to bat. He was like a panther with a purposeful, loping and confident walk. He didn’t say anything. He did not need to. There was no ego. His walk let the opposition know he was there for business.” — to the Telegraph
“Cricket has lost one of its greatest. Sir Garfield Sobers didn't just play the game he showed us what was possible in it. Generations have learned from his mastery and always will. My deepest condolences to his family and to the people of the West Indies.” — on X
“Like many others, my heart is heavy at the passing of the great Sir Garfield St Aubrun Sobers. He was always generous with his time and advice to me. He elevated Barbados and the West Indian Islands to a place of great and unprecedented standing in the world through his performance and leadership on the field. Sad he is no longer with us, but very happy that he came. We have memories of him than stand this game in good stead.” — on X
“Cricket has lost one of its greatest ever icons. Deeply saddened by the passing of Sir Garfield Sobers, one of the greatest cricketers to have ever graced the game. His unmatched brilliance as an all-rounder, remarkable sportsmanship, and enduring legacy will continue to inspire generations of cricketers around the world.” — on X
“It is with profound sadness that I join Barbados, the Caribbean and the cricketing world in mourning the passing of The Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers, our Sir Garry. From Bay Land to Kensington and onto the world stage, he carried Barbados and the West Indies with distinction. He made us all stand a little taller as Barbadians, and I will always be grateful for what he gave to our country and our people. Barbados stands. The West Indies stand. The world stands. Well played, Sir Garry. Well played.” — on X
“His extraordinary achievements, lasting influence on Caribbean cricket and immeasurable contribution to the global game have left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire generations.” — on X
“We join the cricket world in mourning the death of Sir Garfield Sobers, one of the game’s greatest players and a significant contributor to Australian cricket, including in his time as a player for South Australia. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and teammates at this sad time.”
(Sobers spent three summers representing South Australia state in the Sheffield Shield domestic competition between 1961-62 and 1963-64. His third season, in which he played all eight matches, saw him score 973 runs and claim 47 wickets in South Australia’s title-winning season).
AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket
FILE - West Indies' cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers speaks during the opening ceremony of the ICC Cricket World Cup at Trelawny Stadium, Jamaica, March 11, 2007. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton, File)
