JJ Wetherholt hit a leadoff homer against Paul Skenes, marking a significant moment in his career. The homer gave St. Louis an early 1-0 lead in the game.
JJ Wetherholtâs dream matchup vs Paul Skenes turns into statement leadoff homer originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Some moments feel a little bigger, even before they happen. For JJ Wetherholt, stepping into the box Thursday against Paul Skenes was one of those moments. This wasnât just another at-bat. It was a chance to face one of the most electric young pitchers in baseball, the kind of arm players talk about long before they ever share a field. Skenes came in, dealing all season, carrying a 2.48 ERA and barely allowing anyone on base. For a young hitter like Wetherholt, this is the type of matchup you grow up picturing.
And then he didnât just compete. He won it immediately. Wetherholt stepped in and got his shot. Skenes tried to mix speeds early, working with his splitter and changeup, but one pitch stayed just a little too hittable. Wetherholt didnât miss it. He sent it 391 feet to right field, a leadoff homer that gave St. Louis a 1-0 lead before Skenes could even settle in.
You could feel what it meant in that moment. Not just the swing, but the situation.
This wasnât a random swing. Wetherholt has been seeing the ball well for days now. Over his last six games, heâs been one of the Cardinalsâ most reliable bats, stacking hits and showing more confidence each time up.
Wetherholt's leadoff homer against Skenes was a pivotal moment, showcasing his talent against a top young pitcher.
Wetherholt's home run traveled 391 feet to right field.
Paul Skenes had a 2.48 ERA before facing Wetherholt.
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Still, doing it against Skenes is different.
Skenes has made a habit of overpowering hitters, especially at home. He came into the game with a 0.72 WHIP and had barely been touched at PNC Park all year. Most hitters are just trying to survive that first at-bat, maybe see a few pitches and adjust later.
Wetherholt flipped that script. He stayed patient, didnât chase early, and when the opportunity came, he attacked it without hesitation.
More:Â JJ Wetherholtâs return to Pittsburgh turning into statement stretch with clutch 9th-inning HR
For the St. Louis Cardinals, it was the perfect start in a game where every run matters as they try to keep climbing in the NL Central. But for Wetherholt, it felt like something more personal.
Moments like this are remembered for a long time. Facing a pitcher like Skenes for the first time and coming away with a home run is the kind of thing players remember for a long time. Itâs part confidence builder, part proof that you belong.
And right now, Wetherholt is not just belonging. Heâs starting to look like a player the Cardinals can lean on and contend with.