Pozo Delivers Clutch Game-Winner as Cardinals Edge Dodgers 3–2
LOS ANGELES — Yohel Pozo has made a habit of delivering in high-pressure situations this season, and on Monday night at Dodger Stadium, the Cardinals’ unlikely hero struck again.
Coming off the bench in the top of the ninth inning, Pozo stepped to the plate with the game hanging in the balance. The Cardinals had runners on first and third with no outs but were on the verge of squandering the opportunity after back-to-back outs. With two away, Pozo lined a sharp single into right field, scoring pinch-runner Garrett Hampson to put St. Louis ahead.
The hit marked Pozo’s sixth pinch-hit in just 12 at-bats this season, a remarkable .500 clip that has made him one of the league’s most dangerous late-inning bench options. His latest clutch knock proved to be the decisive blow in the Cardinals’ 3–2 victory over the Dodgers in front of a crowd of 46,628.
Cardinals Capitalize Late
The Cardinals entered the ninth inning tied 2–2 in a tense pitcher’s duel. The Dodgers had stifled St. Louis for most of the evening, but the visitors kept the game close with timely pitching and solid defense. When the opportunity arose in the ninth, manager Oliver Marmol turned to Pozo, and the 27-year-old delivered yet again.
The Dodgers were unable to respond in the bottom half of the inning, as the Cardinals’ bullpen slammed the door to secure the win and hand Los Angeles a rare home defeat.
An Emerging Pinch-Hit Specialist
Pozo, known for his ability to deliver in late-game moments, has quietly become one of the Cardinals’ most valuable role players. His knack for making solid contact in key spots has turned him into a go-to option off the bench, giving St. Louis a reliable weapon in tight contests.
Monday’s win also provided a momentum boost for the Cardinals as they continue their push in the standings, while the Dodgers will be left to rue missed opportunities in a game that slipped away late.
The two teams will meet again Tuesday night as the series continues, with the Dodgers looking to bounce back and the Cardinals hoping to ride Pozo’s heroics into another win.
Pozo Comes Up Clutch Again, Lifts Cardinals Past Dodgers with Ninth-Inning Game-Winner
LOS ANGELES — The Cardinals have grown accustomed to Yohel Pozo delivering when the pressure is at its highest, and Monday night at Dodger Stadium was no exception.
In a tense 2–2 ballgame, St. Louis opened the top of the ninth with runners on first and third and nobody out — a golden opportunity that quickly began to unravel. The Dodgers recorded two quick outs, bringing the rally to the brink of collapse. That’s when manager Oliver Marmol turned to his most trusted late-inning weapon.
Pozo, serving as the team’s pinch-hit specialist, strode to the plate and wasted no time. On a 1-1 count, he lashed a sharp single into right field, scoring pinch-runner Garrett Hampson to put the Cardinals ahead 3–2. The hit drew a roar from the St. Louis dugout and silenced much of the 46,628 in attendance.
Pinch-Hit Perfection
The game-winning single was Pozo’s sixth pinch-hit in just 12 at-bats this season, giving him a remarkable .500 average in those situations. For a player who has carved out a niche role off the bench, Pozo’s ability to stay ready and deliver in critical moments has been invaluable.
“It’s just about staying focused and being ready for that one pitch,” Pozo said after the game. “I take a lot of pride in being able to help the team even if I’m not starting.”
Tight Battle in Chavez Ravine
The Cardinals and Dodgers traded blows in a tightly contested matchup. St. Louis struck early, but Los Angeles clawed back to even the score at 2–2 by the middle innings. Both bullpens kept the game knotted, setting the stage for late-inning drama.
In the bottom of the ninth, the Dodgers threatened to rally, putting the tying run on base. But Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley shut the door with a mix of high-90s fastballs and sharp breaking balls, recording his 25th save of the season.
An Unsung Hero’s Impact
Pozo’s emergence as a reliable clutch hitter has been one of the Cardinals’ quiet success stories this season. While stars often grab the headlines, it’s been players like Pozo who have helped St. Louis win close games. Monday night’s heroics not only gave the Cardinals a big road win but also boosted their confidence as they continue to chase a postseason berth.
The victory also marked a rare home stumble for the Dodgers, who have been dominant at Chavez Ravine. With the series now in St. Louis’ favor, both teams will return to action Tuesday night in Game 2 of the set.
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