Myers backs Cashner in Padres’ win vs. Cards

SAN DIEGO: Reacting to a bunt by opposing pitcher Adam Wainwright, Andrew Cashner charged off the mound, fielded the baseball near the third-base line, twirled and fired a strike to first base. One out.

One problem: In the heat of the moment, the Padres right-hander had passed on a chance at a force out at third. Now, the St. Louis Cardinals had a baserunner there and another on second. For a starting pitcher who regularly failed to navigate out of traffic last season, a critical test had arisen.