The Padres (24-17) entered their three-game series against the NL Central-leading Cardinals (23-18) down four starters and five total players in all. Despite the odds leaning heavily towards St. Louis’ favor, the fill-ins for the Friars capitalized on their limited opportunities and helped San Diego complete the sweep with a 5-3 decision at Petco Park on Sunday evening.
Ryan Weathers got the start and quietly kept the Padres in it through four innings. He failed to strike anyone out but limited the Cards to two runs on four hits. In a sight that might have seemed a bit odd, Dinelson Lamet came out of the bullpen to replace Weathers and proceeded to fan a pair of batters over the next two innings.