In his third game of the season, Auburn native Tim Locastro belted a go-ahead home run to lead the El Paso Chihuahuas to victory Wednesday.
Locastro's two-run homer in the eighth inning proved to be the difference in Triple-A El Paso's 7-5 win over Sacramento.
The home run capped off a five-run inning for El Paso, which trailed 5-2 in the bottom of the eighth. Two batters before Locastro came to the plate, Mike Brousseau hit a three-run homer to tie the game.
After Cody Roberts walked, Locastro took a ball outside before jumping on a sinker high in the zone. It was a no-doubter, with the homer traveling 424 feet.
It was Locastro's first home run since his return from injury. After a sparkling start in Triple-A last season, he sat out the rest of 2024 due to a major shoulder injury that required surgery.
Locastro tested the free agent market, but signed a minor league contract to return to the San Diego Padres organization.聽
Before joining El Paso, he was sent to the Padres' rookie league team to continue preparations for the season. He was promoted on Sunday and made his season debut that day. He had his first hit of the season and scored a run.
Locastro reached base three times on Wednesday. He was hit by a pitch and walked. He also scored two runs.
El Paso continues its series against Sacramento on Thursday.
Government reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 664-4631 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on X @RobertHarding.
