Iván Herrera makes history with three home runs for the Cardinals

In the United States on April 2, 2025, Iván Herrera, a 24-year-old catcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, achieved a remarkable feat during a game against the Los Angeles Angels by hitting three home runs. This accomplishment not only secured a 12-5 victory for the Cardinals but also established Herrera as the first catcher in the franchise's 123-year history to achieve a three-homer game. The game took place at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, where Herrera hit a solo home run in the fourth inning, a two-run shot in the sixth, and a historic three-run homer in the eighth inning. This performance marked his first multi-home run game of his career and helped drive the Cardinals to break a tie in the eighth inning, showcasing his ability to contribute significantly to the team's success. The game's dynamic shifted as the Cardinals rallied, with Herrera leading the charge. Herrera expressed that the moment was the best of his career, emphasizing the significance of accomplishing something unprecedented in a franchise known for its rich baseball history. He noted, "I’ve never hit three home runs in my career. Just doing it here in the big leagues to get us tied, to keep us going, it’s a feeling I can’t share right now." His teammates celebrated the achievement, acknowledging the importance of such milestones and their impact on the team's morale and performance. Herrera's performance was recognized by manager Oliver Marmol, who praised Herrera’s confidence and batting skills against high-caliber pitchers. Furthermore, Herrera’s family ties to Panama and the underrepresentation of players from his country in Major League Baseball added a layer of motivation for him. After signing with the Cardinals, Herrera looked up to Yadier Molina, a legendary catcher for the team. By achieving this milestone, he not only honors his idol but also sets an example for aspiring players from Panama. The Cardinals utilized this win to build momentum, as they capitalized on the strong offensive display with key hits from players like Willson Contreras and Lars Nootbaar, contributing to the overall team victory. Herrera's achievement also broke the franchise record for total bases by a catcher, surpassing the previous record of 10 set by Willson Contreras. Overall, the game served as a testament to the Cardinals’ offensive prowess, and it highlighted Iván Herrera's emergence as a significant player on the team. The victory against the Angels and Herrera's historic performance are pivotal moments in the early part of the MLB season. As the team looks forward, they will aim to build on this success, utilizing Herrera’s confidence as part of their strategy to compete in upcoming games this season.