Former Chihuahua Jankowski Gets 2 Hits in Padres Debut

SAN DIEGO (AP) – Yangervis Solarte hit a two-run homer in a wild five-run fifth inning and Travis Jankowski had two hits, an RBI and scored a run in his big league debut as the San Diego Padres beat the St. Louis Cardinals 9-3 Friday night.

The Cardinals, who still have the best record in the majors at 77-44, committed three errors in the fifth behind John Lackey (10-8), who allowed four hits, a walk and a wild pitch in that frame.

Matt Kemp and pinch-hitter Brett Wallace each had a two-run homer in the eighth for San Diego, which won its fourth straight game and sixth in seven. Kemp also had a single and extended his hitting streak to 13 games. It was his 15th homer and Wallace’s third.

The carnage for the Cardinals in the fifth started when Andrew Cashner (5-12) bunted to advance Alexi Amarista, who opened with a single.First baseman Mark Reynolds fielded the ball near the bag and tried for a reverse double play, but his throw sailed into left field. Stephen Piscotty’s throw to third base sailed into the Cardinals’ dugout, allowing Amarista to score and Cashner to take third. Jankowski, batting ninth behind Cashner, singled to left to bring in the pitcher for his first career RBI.Solarte then homered to right to bring in Jankowski for his first MLB run. It was Solarte’s third homer in as many games and 10th overall.Yonder Alonso walked and advanced on a wild pitch before Kemp struck out for the first out. Justin Upton singled for his 600th career RBI.

Jankowski was called up Wednesday from Triple-A El Paso, a day after outfielder Will Venable was traded to Texas. Jankowski singled to center in his first at-bat, in the third. He is the ninth player in franchise history to record two or more hits in his big league debut, and the fourth with two or more hits and one RBI.