Alec Burleson's 2-run HR leads Cardinals' 9-7 rally over Rays
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Alec Burleson hit a two-run homer to cap off an eight-run outburst in the sixth inning as the St. Louis Cardinals rallied for a 9-7 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday.
Rookie JJ Wetherholt also homered for St. Louis. Jonathan Aranda homered for Tampa Bay, which took a 7-1 lead with six runs in the top of the sixth.
St. Louis answered back with eight runs in its half including run-scoring sacrifice flies by Wetherholt and Ivan Herrera, which tied the game 7-all. Burleson followed with a blast to right field.
Both teams sent 11 batters to the plate in the inning. Jonny DeLuca had a two-run single to highlight the sixth inning for Tampa Bay, which had won four of its previous five games on opening day. Riley O’Brien picked up the win with 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief.
Ryne Stanek earned the save. He struck out Richie Palacios with the bases loaded to end the game. St.