Cardinals: Juan Yepez clutch home run makes history for St. Louis

Juan Yepez is the first ever Cardinals rookie to his a pinch-hit, go-ahead home run in the postseason

The St. Louis Cardinals were stuck in a pitchers dual with the Philadelphia Phillies entering the bottom of the 7th inning, and on one swing of the bat, Juan Yepez changed the game.

Pinch-hitting for Corey Dickerson, Juan Yepez sent a blast into the left field seats, putting the Cardinals up 2-0 against the Phillies.

Yepez’s clutch home run makes him the first St. Louis rookie ever to hit a go-ahead, pinch-hit home run in the playoffs. With so many legends to have dawned the birds on the bat, it is pretty remarkable that Yepez would be the first to accomplish this feat.

It will be interesting to see how manager Oli Marmol decides to deploy Yepez in Game 2 or a potential Game 3. Yepez has game changing ability that the Cardinals need in their lineup, but his glove is a major liability in the outfield. Will Marmol give Yepez a start in left field? Or continue to deploy him as a late inning weapon off the bench?

The Cardinals are carrying 14 position players on the roster, giving Marmol the ability to mix and match throughout the game. This may mean Yepez remains on the bench, as he can step up to plate in big spots for the club, and then be replaced defensively going into the next inning.

Either way, what a huge introduction to the postseason for Yepez. October is where legends are made, and Yepez may be on his way to a huge month.

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