Padres' Cronenworth Hit in Face, Stays for 4-1 Win

In a harrowing moment during Saturday's baseball game at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, San Diego Padres infielder Jake Cronenworth was struck in the face by a 96 mph fastball from Los Angeles Angels pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, yet he remained in the contest as his team secured a 4-1 victory.

The incident occurred in the top of the fifth inning with a runner on second base and two outs. Facing a 1-2 count, Cronenworth took a high-and-inside fastball that first grazed his shoulder before hitting him squarely on the jaw. He collapsed to the ground in pain, prompting an immediate halt to play as Padres trainers rushed to his side. After several minutes of examination on the field, Cronenworth rose to his feet, walked to first base, and continued participating without missing an at-bat.

Kikuchi retired the next batter, Ramon Laureano, on four pitches to end the inning, but the game remained scoreless entering the late stages. San Diego broke through in the eighth inning against Angels reliever Ryan Zeferjahn. Cronenworth and Freddy Fermin drew four-pitch walks to open the frame, setting the stage for Laureano's RBI single up the middle that scored the game's first run. Fernando...