ST. LOUIS — In an intense game stretched over 11 innings, the Los Angeles Angels secured a thrilling 9-7 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday night. With the score locked at three apiece after nine innings, the Angels broke through in the extra innings.
Kyren Paris was instrumental in clinching the win, delivering a crucial tiebreaking single in the 11th inning. Yoan Moncada followed Paris’s lead with a two-run double, boosting the Angels’ lead. The Cardinals attempted a comeback with Victor Scott II hitting an RBI single in their half, but Ryan Zeferjahn skillfully closed the game by securing the final two outs to earn his first career save, sealing the victory once again in extended play. Ryan Johnson gained his first major league win with a commendable performance.
Los Angeles first baseman Nolan Schanuel emerged as a key player in the 10th inning despite an earlier setback. Schanuel hit a pivotal two-run triple following his errant throw in the eighth that allowed the Cardinals to tie the game. His hit to left-center sped past Scott, allowing Paris and Moncada to score, propelling the Angels to a 5-3 lead. Schanuel himself made it home thanks to Jo Adell’s timely single.
The Cardinals responded with Luken Baker, who, as a pinch-hitter, unleashed a two-run double narrowing the gap to 6-5. Nolan Arenado then brought the game level again with an RBI single. Unfortunately, Chris Roycroft, pitching for St. Louis, was unable to maintain the draw, conceding three runs over one inning, two of which were earned.
From the Cardinals’ squad, Jordan Walker showcased his prowess by hitting two RBIs and a monumental 419-foot home run directed to the center’s batter’s eye. A critical moment in the game was marked by an error from Schanuel, allowing the Cardinals to tie the score at 3-3 in the eighth when Arenado’s roller saw an errant throw by Schanuel result in Lars Nootbaar scoring.
In terms of team performance, the Angels have made a strong start to their season with a 4-1 record, reaching three games above .500 for the first time since August 2, 2023, when they stood at 56-53. Looking forward, the series between these teams will conclude on Wednesday. Cardinals RHP Sonny Gray (1-0, 3.60 ERA) will face Angels LHP Yusei Kikuchi (0-1, 4.50 ERA) in the series finale.