The Cardinals stormed back with an eight-run sixth inning to defeat the Tampa Bay Rays 9-7 on Opening Day at Busch Stadium.Trailing 7-1 in the sixth, St. Louis flipped the game with a massive rally, highlighted by Alec Burleson’s go-ahead two-run home run to right field. Rookie JJ Wetherholt also homered and added a sacrifice fly during the inning, while Iván Herrera contributed a run-scoring sac fly to help tie the game.
Nathan Church added a two-run hit in the rally, and the Cardinals sent 11 batters to the plate in the inning.
Tampa Bay had taken control earlier in the frame with six runs, including a two-run single from Jonny DeLuca. Jonathan Aranda also homered for the Rays.
Riley O’Brien earned the win with 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief, and Ryne Stanek picked up the save by striking out Richie Palacios with the bases loaded to end the game.
Matthew Liberatore started for St. Louis and allowed one run over five innings, while Drew Rasmussen gave up one run in five innings for Tampa Bay.
The game-time temperature reached 91 degrees, marking the hottest Opening Day in Busch Stadium history.
The two teams continue the series Saturday, with Michael McGreevy scheduled to start for St. Louis.
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