Cardinals Triumph Over Rays in 5-2 Victory
- Nolan Arenado and Alec Burleson each had two hits and drove in two runs.
- The St. Louis Cardinals secured a 5-2 victory against the Tampa Bay Rays.
- This win highlights the strong performance of Arenado and Burleson in the game.
ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals secured a 5-2 victory against the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday night, with standout performances from Nolan Arenado and Alec Burleson, who each contributed two hits and two RBIs. Pitcher Erick Fedde earned the win, improving his record to 8-5 after delivering five solid innings, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out six batters. The game began with the Cardinals taking an early lead in the first inning. Willson Contreras hit a single that brought home Tommy Edman, who had doubled to start the inning. The Rays managed to equalize in the third inning, capitalizing on a mistake by Fedde, as Alex Jackson scored from third base following a single by Yandy Díaz. The Cardinals regained control in the fourth inning when Burleson doubled, driving in Nolan Gorman and Edman. The Rays struggled to keep pace, with starting pitcher Taj Bradley exiting after 4 2/3 innings, having surrendered five runs on nine hits, which ultimately sealed the game for St. Louis. In roster news, the Rays optioned right-handed pitcher Joel Kuhnel to Triple-A Durham and activated Drew Rasmussen from the 60-day injured list. Meanwhile, Cardinals pitcher Steven Matz made a successful rehab appearance for Triple-A Memphis, allowing one run in 2 2/3 innings. Looking ahead, the Rays are set to face the Cardinals again, with Shane Baz scheduled to start against Kyle Gibson on Thursday night.