Smith, deGrom Lead Rangers Past Cardinals 8-1

Josh Smith drove in four runs with a two-run homer and a two-run double, tying his career high, and Jacob deGrom extended his streak of allowing two runs or fewer to eight consecutive starts as the Texas Rangers defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 8-1 on Sunday.The Rangers (29-31) took two of three in the series, winning their first set since sweeping Colorado at home from May 12-14.

The Cardinals (33-26) dropped a series for only the second time in their last 11.

Smith sparked a two-out rally in the second inning with a double into the left-field corner, scoring two after Marcus Semien’s single. He added a two-run homer to right in Texas’ five-run eighth, with Semien crossing the plate for the second time. Semien finished with two hits and two walks.

DeGrom (5-2) gave up one run on four hits and three walks over six innings, striking out four.

St. Louis scored its lone run in the first when Lars Nootbaar walked and came home on Willson Contreras’ two-out single.

Cardinals starter Erick Fedde (3-5) allowed two runs on four hits in six innings, striking out five and walking three. The 32-year-old right-hander was seeking his first win since his May 9 shutout of Washington – his first career complete game.

Next, the Cardinals send RHP Andre Pallante (4-3, 4.23 ERA) to start Tuesday for the open of the “I-70 Series” against the Kansas City Royals. First pitch is set for 6:45.

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