Padres Vs. Cardinals: Cameron Maybin Heriocs Lead San Diego to Comeback Win

An out away from defeat, the Padres were saved by Cameron Maybin. And two innings later, Maybin again came through with the go-ahead hit, and the Padres hung on from there for a dramatic come-from-behind 5-3 win in St. Louis in the Cardinals' season and home opener.

With Mat Latos sidelined, the Padres handed the ball to Tim Stauffer, and Stauffer did an admirable job, limiting the Cardinals to two runs over six innings. Opposing starter Chris Carpenter was even better, keeping the Padres at two over seven. This remained a 2-2 game into the bottom of the eighth, when Matt Holliday stepped in against Mike Adams. Holliday lifted a long fly ball to straightaway center that hit the top of the fence and bounced over for a go-ahead home run.

The Cardinals then called upon Ryan Franklin for the save, but Franklin couldn't seal the deal. After recording a pair of scary outs, Franklin left a ball up that Maybin punished, tying the game with a blast to center of his own.

All even at 3-3, the teams went quietly into the top of the 11th. There, Chase Headley hit a two-out single, and Maybin followed with a single of his own that sent Headley sprinting around the bases. Headley rounded third hard, and when he saw that Ryan Theriot had bobbled the relay throw from right field, he broke for home and slid in just ahead of the tag to put the Padres in front.

Nick Hundley then singled home a Maybin pinch-runner for some insurance, and Heath Bell pitched a perfect bottom half for the save. Of special note is that Albert Pujols went 0-5 with three double plays. The Cardinals were at one point out-hitting the Padres 10-2, but they couldn't take advantage.

The series continues on Saturday, with Clayton Richard and Jake Westbrook.