Cardinals’ Bats Come Alive with Two Big Hits in Victory over Rays
It was another night of frustration for the St. Louis Cardinals as they struggled to get a hit with a runner in scoring position. However, in a surprising turn of events, it didn’t end up costing them the game. Instead, it was two clutch hits with a runner on first base that propelled the Cardinals to a 4-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays at Busch Stadium.
The hero of the night was none other than Victor Scott II, who hit his first ever home run in the major leagues. But he wasn’t the only one to contribute to the Cardinals’ offensive surge. Masyn Winn, who was hit by a pitch, set the stage for Tommy Pham to hit his second home run since returning to the Cardinals last week.
The second inning proved to be the turning point for the Cardinals, as they were able to capitalize on their opportunities and give starting pitcher Sonny Gray enough run support for the win. Gray, who has been struggling on the mound, finally got the offensive backing he needed to secure the victory.
The Cardinals’ win over the Rays not only ended their losing streak, but it also showed that they have the ability to come through in clutch situations. With the playoffs looming, this is a promising sign for the team and their fans.
Despite their struggles with runners in scoring position, the Cardinals were able to find a way to win and keep their playoff hopes alive. And with the help of Scott, Winn, and Pham, they were able to do it in dramatic fashion. This victory will surely give the team a much-needed boost of confidence as they continue their push for the postseason. 3Victor Scott II Hits First MLB Home Run, Tommy Pham Hits Second Since Trade Back to Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals Break Scoring Drought with Two Home Runs in Victory over Rays
ST. LOUIS – The St. Louis Cardinals finally broke their scoring drought with a pair of two-run homers in the second inning, leading them to a 4-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays at Busch Stadium on Tuesday night.
The first home run of his major-league career came from Victor Scott II, while Tommy Pham hit his second home run since being traded back to the Cardinals last week. These two big hits were enough to give Sonny Gray the offensive support he needed for his 11th win of the season.
Despite the win, the Cardinals continued to struggle with runners in scoring position, going 0-for-6 in the game and 3-for-38 in their last six games. However, they were able to capitalize on their opportunities with runners on first base, a trend that has been rare for them this season.
Here is a breakdown of Tuesday night’s game:
At the plate: The Cardinals missed a scoring chance in the first inning when they loaded the bases with one out, but Nolan Arenado grounded into a double play. In the second, Pedro Pages singled with two outs and came home on Scott II’s home run into the Cardinals’ bullpen. Pham’s homer went into the visiting bullpen in left field. The Cardinals were held to just four hits for the rest of the game, including a double by Pham in the seventh.
On the mound: Gray got off to a rough start, giving up a walk and a home run to the first two batters he faced. However, he settled down and pitched through the seventh, allowing just three more hits and earning his 11th win of the season. Andrew Kittredge, a former Cardinal, retired his former team in order in the eighth, and Ryan Helsley recorded his 35th save of the season by stranding the tying and go-ahead runners on base in the ninth.
Key stat: Paul Goldschmidt and Willson Contreras, batting third and fourth for the Cardinals, both went hitless in the game, extending their hitless streaks to 18 and 21 at-bats, respectively.
Worth noting: Steven Matz, who started for the Cardinals’ Triple-A team on Tuesday night, threw 50 pitches in 2 2/3 innings, allowing one run on three hits and two walks. Former Cardinals reliever Giovanny Gallegos signed a minor-league contract with the Twins and was assigned to their Triple-A team. Pitching prospect Quinn Mathews recorded 11 strikeouts in six shutout innings for the Cardinals’ Double-A team, allowing just two hits. Former Cardinal Dylan Carlson was back at Busch Stadium with the Rays but did not play in Tuesday night’s game.
Looking ahead: The Cardinals will send Erick Fedde to the mound on Wednesday night as they look to continue their winning streak against the Rays.
