Paquette’s a Major Hit With the Cardinals So Far

Craig Paquette is sure enjoying his return to the majors.

Paquette hit a three-run home run in the sixth inning, his second consecutive game-winning hit, as the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Philadelphia Phillies, 4-3, Monday night.

Before coming to the Cardinals at last month’s trade deadline from the New York Mets, he had been marooned in the minors and then loaned to the U.S. Pan American Games team.

“Everybody says things happen for a reason,” Paquette said. “I feel like this is my first time in the big leagues and I’m just going out there and using what I’ve learned the last few years.”

Mark McGwire did not get a hit, although he remained on pace with his record 70-homer season. He didn’t hit his 48th homer until the Cardinals’ 124th game last year and this was their 120th.

Although the Phillies had seven runners in scoring position against starter Kent Mercker, the only damage was Mike Lieberthal’s two-run home run in the fourth.

The Phillies left 14 men on base, including the bases loaded in the eighth inning.