ARLINGTON, Texas — Josh Smith delivered an outstanding performance by driving in four runs, achieving a personal best, with a two-run homer and a two-run double. Jacob deGrom maintained his impressive form by allowing two runs or fewer for the eighth consecutive start, as the Texas Rangers secured an 8-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday.
The Rangers, with a current record of 29-31, emerged victorious in two out of the three games against the Cardinals, marking their first series win since sweeping Colorado at home from May 12-14. Unfortunately for the Cardinals, whose record stood at 33-26, this series loss was only their second in the last eleven series.
Smith made a significant impact by turning an outside changeup into a double down the left-field line during the second inning, which capped a two-out rally initiated by Marcus Semien’s crucial single. Semien was a constant presence on base, scoring again in the Rangers’ explosive five-run eighth inning, thanks to Smith’s home run to right field.
DeGrom (5-2) showcased his pitching prowess by allowing just one run off four hits while issuing three walks across six innings. He managed to retire four batters via strikeouts. Meanwhile, Semien contributed with two hits and two walks throughout the game.
St. Louis initially took the lead in the first inning, capitalizing with Lars Nootbaar’s leadoff walk that translated into a run from Willson Contreras’ single with two outs. On the mound for the Cardinals, Erick Fedde (3-5) surrendered two runs over six innings, accompanied by three walks and five strikeouts. The 32-year-old pitcher sought his first win since his complete-game shutout against Washington on May 9.
A pivotal moment came with Semien’s single during the second inning rally, which contributed to raising his batting average from .173 to .201, hitting in every game of the series and achieving his highest average since the season’s start.
Numbers highlight the Cardinals’ struggle against the Rangers, holding an all-time .333 winning percentage in regular-season matchups (7-14), which represents their lowest against any team. However, they have the distinction of securing the 2011 World Series, claiming victory in seven games after overcoming a 3-2 deficit against Texas.
Looking ahead, the Cardinals will send RHP Andre Pallante (4-3, 4.23 ERA) to the mound to kick off the “I-70 Series” against Kansas City on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Rangers are set to start RHP Tyler Mahle (5-2, 1.64) against Tampa Bay as they begin a nine-game road trip.