Sometimes, childhood dreams come true in the most spectacular way—and for St. Louis Cardinals rookie pitcher Michael McGreevy, Friday night at Petco Park was a storybook moment he'll never forget.
Growing up just 60 miles north of San Diego in San Clemente, California, McGreevy spent his youth rooting for the Padres and dreaming of one day taking the mound as a big-league pitcher. With family and friends cheering from the stands, he delivered a performance that felt straight out of a baseball fantasy: one hit allowed, a career-best nine strikeouts, and six scoreless innings in the Cardinals' commanding 6-0 victory over San Diego.
McGreevy (3-2) was nothing short of dominant, extending his scoreless streak to 14 innings—the second-longest active streak in Major League Baseball. Over his last three starts, he's been nearly untouchable: no hits allowed against the Rays, just three hits versus the Dodgers, and only a single base knock on Friday. For the season, he's surrendered a mere 29 hits across 45 1/3 innings pitched.
"His changeup was working really well for him, and he's mixing really well to both sides," Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol told Apple TV, noting that McGreevy generated seven swings and misses on just nine changeups. Overall, the 25-year-old right-hander induced a career-best 17 swings and misses, with all nine strikeouts coming on swinging strikes.
McGreevy also showcased his poise under pressure, escaping a bases-loaded jam in the fourth inning. His one-hit gem marked the fewest hits allowed by a Cardinals pitcher to the Padres since Bud Smith threw a no-hitter in San Diego back on September 3, 2001.
While McGreevy was painting masterpieces on the mound, rookie teammate JJ Wetherholt provided all the run support he'd need with a highlight-reel "Little League Grand Slam." After singling to right field to drive in Masyn Winn, Wetherholt watched in disbelief as five-time Gold Glove winner Fernando Tatis Jr. misplayed the ball, allowing it to roll all the way to the wall.
Wetherholt didn't hesitate—he rounded the bases at full speed and scored standing up, unleashing a primal scream of joy as he crossed the plate. Joining him in the celebration were teammates Victor Scott, Nathan Church, Ivan Herrera, and Winn, who had all scored on the play.
"Just run, to be honest," Wetherholt said with a grin after the game, summing up the kind of magical night that makes baseball unforgettable.