Nick Stavinoha’s pinch-hit, two-run homer in the ninth inning off Trevor Hoffman carried the St. Louis Cardinals to a 5-4 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday.

With two outs and down to his final strike, Stavinoha belted Hoffman’s changeup deep into the left field seats.

Hoffman (0-1) had walked Colby Rasmus to start the frame and recorded a pair of fly outs before blowing his first save of the season.

Stavinoha, who had no prior at-bats on the campaign, now owns two career homers against the all-time saves leader.

Dennys Reyes (1-0) was credited with the win after working one inning of relief. Ryan Franklin picked up his second save of the year.

Brewers shortstop Alcides Escobar had a pair of hits, including a two-run double in the fourth that put the Brewers ahead, 3-1. Prince Fielder added a run an inning later with a sacrifice fly.

Matt Holiday, who recorded three hits, got the Cardinals within 4-3 on a two-run homer in the sixth. The score would stand until Stavinoha won it.

Milwaukee starter Dave Bush took a no-decision in his first start back with the club, allowing three runs on four hits, along with six strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.