ST. LOUIS — In a dazzling display of power hitting, Iván Herrera made history on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, by smashing three home runs, leading the St. Louis Cardinals to a decisive 12-5 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. This remarkable performance not only marked Herrera's first career multi-home run game but also made him the first catcher in the 144-year history of the franchise to achieve such a feat.
Herrera’s offensive explosion came at a crucial time for the Cardinals, who were looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss to the Angels the previous night, where they fell 9-7 in extra innings. The young catcher wasted no time in establishing his dominance, launching a solo shot in the fourth inning off Angels starter Yusei Kikuchi, followed by a two-run blast in the sixth. His final home run of the game, a towering shot off Sean Burke, capped a seven-run eighth inning that sealed the victory for St. Louis.
With a total of six RBIs on the day, Herrera was undoubtedly the star of the game. His first home run, a 395-foot smash, hit the facing of the second deck at Busch Stadium, while his second shot traveled an impressive 414 feet and was projected to leave the bat at a blistering 112.1 mph. The final blast soared an estimated 425 feet, landing near the top of the third deck, further solidifying his status as a rising star in the league.
“Days like today are what we dream about,” Herrera said after the game. “I just focused on my approach and tried to make solid contact. It’s a special feeling to contribute like this for my team.”
In addition to Herrera's heroics, Willson Contreras played a pivotal role in the game as well. After struggling at the plate with an 0-for-22 skid, Contreras snapped out of his slump with a two-run double in the seventh inning that tied the game at 5-5. He then drew a bases-loaded walk in the eighth inning off Burke, breaking the tie and helping the Cardinals secure the win.
The game was not without its tense moments, however. The Angels took an early lead when Mike Trout hit his first home run of the season in the first inning, giving Los Angeles a 1-0 advantage. The Angels later extended their lead to 5-3 after Logan O’Hoppe hit a grand slam off Sonny Gray in the seventh inning. Gray, who struck out nine batters in six-plus innings, ultimately allowed five runs on five hits.
“We had to dig deep after falling behind,” said Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol. “Iván’s performance was a game-changer. It’s great to see our young guys stepping up when it matters most.”
JoJo Romero recorded the final four outs for the Cardinals, earning the win as they avoided being swept by the Angels. The victory not only boosted the Cardinals' morale but also showcased the potential of their young talent, particularly Herrera, who has been touted as one of the best young hitters in the organization.
Looking ahead, the Cardinals will be eager to build on this momentum. They will face the Angels again on Friday, April 4, 2025, with RHP Erick Fedde set to take the mound against RHP Walker Buehler. Meanwhile, the Angels will open their home season against the Cleveland Guardians with RHP José Soriano starting.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Herrera and the Cardinals as they look to capitalize on this impressive performance. With a batting average of .467 so far this season, going 7-for-15 with three home runs and eight RBIs, Herrera is quickly making a name for himself in Major League Baseball.
“I just want to continue to improve and help my team win,” Herrera added. “This is just the beginning.”
With Herrera leading the charge, the Cardinals are hoping to turn the page on their early-season struggles and make a strong push for the playoffs as they continue their campaign.
