Cardinals Defeat Rays in Extra Innings Thriller

JJ Wetherholt's walk-off single in the 10th inning lifts St. Louis over Tampa Bay

Mar. 28, 2026 at 10:22pm

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In a back-and-forth game, the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 6-5 in extra innings on Saturday. JJ Wetherholt delivered the game-winning hit, singling in two runs in the bottom of the 10th inning to secure the victory for the Cardinals.

Why it matters

This was a thrilling matchup between two playoff contenders in the National League and American League. The Cardinals were able to hold off a late Rays comeback to earn the win, showcasing the team's resilience and ability to win close games.

The details

After the Cardinals built a 4-0 lead, the Rays scored four runs in the top of the 9th inning to tie the game and force extra innings. In the 10th, Yandy Diaz gave the Rays a 5-4 lead, but the Cardinals responded in the bottom half, with Jordan Walker drawing a walk and Victor Scott II laying down a sacrifice bunt to set up Wetherholt's game-winning single.

  • The game took place on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
  • The Cardinals scored two runs in the 1st inning to take an early 2-0 lead.
  • The Rays scored four runs in the top of the 9th inning to tie the game at 4-4 and force extra innings.
  • Yandy Diaz gave the Rays a 5-4 lead in the top of the 10th inning.
  • JJ Wetherholt delivered the game-winning hit in the bottom of the 10th inning.

The players

JJ Wetherholt

The Cardinals' outfielder who hit the game-winning single in the 10th inning.

Jordan Walker

The Cardinals' first baseman who drew a walk to start the 10th inning rally.

Victor Scott II

The Cardinals' outfielder who laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to move the runners over in the 10th inning.

Yandy Diaz

The Rays' infielder who gave Tampa Bay a 5-4 lead with an RBI single in the 10th inning.

Michael McGreevy

The Cardinals' starting pitcher who threw six no-hit innings.

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What they’re saying

“That was a huge win for us against a really good team. The guys showed a lot of fight to come back and get the job done in extra innings.”

— Oliver Marmol, Cardinals Manager

“We battled back and had a chance to win it, but just couldn't close it out. Tough loss, but we'll bounce back tomorrow.”

— Kevin Cash, Rays Manager

What’s next

The Cardinals and Rays will face off again on Sunday in the series finale.

The takeaway

This game showcased the Cardinals' resilience and ability to win close, high-intensity games against top opponents. The Rays' late comeback effort also demonstrated their offensive firepower and refusal to quit, setting the stage for an exciting rubber match between these two playoff contenders.