Wong makes incredible diving catch

ST. LOUIS -- St. Louis second baseman Kolten Wong injected life into Busch Stadium with a run-saving catch in the third inning of Sunday's 3-1 Cardinals win over San Diego.

With runners on first and second and the Padres leading, 1-0, Yonder Alonso lifted a shallow fly ball to center field. Wong, who was shading Alonso toward the first-base line, broke to his right and dove on the outfield grass to make the inning-ending catch.

"I knew that with guys on base, if I don't make that play, they're scoring," Wong said. "As soon as I saw the ball hit, I knew I was going to do everything I could to catch that ball, and luckily I did."

Cardinals pitcher Lance Lynn needed the boost after his errant pickoff attempt earlier in the inning led to San Diego's run.

"That was one heck of a play," Lynn said. "He covered a lot of ground there. I jammed [Alonso] pretty good, and for [Wong] to make that play was huge at the time, because they're probably looking at a 2-0 lead right there if he doesn't make the play."

A crowd of 42,764 roared in approval as Wong rolled over and popped up with the ball in his glove.

"Saves a run, kept the lead for us," manager Mike Matheny said. "Terrific, athletic play, and that's something he needs to take out of this game."