Cardinals' Wetherholt delivers walk-off hit in 10th inning

Rookie's single drives in two runs to give St. Louis a 6-5 win over Tampa Bay

Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:57am

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In his second major league game, rookie JJ Wetherholt delivered a walk-off single in the 10th inning to give the St. Louis Cardinals a 6-5 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays at Busch Stadium. Wetherholt's hit drove in two runs after the Cardinals had blown a 4-0 lead in the 9th inning.

Why it matters

Wetherholt's heroics in his first two games highlight the Cardinals' impressive depth and ability to develop young talent. The win also keeps the Cardinals undefeated to start the season and builds early momentum as they look to compete for a playoff spot.

The details

With the game tied 5-5 in the bottom of the 10th, Wetherholt came to the plate with runners on second and third and one out. Despite the Rays having an open base, they elected to pitch to the rookie, who promptly singled to right field to drive in the winning runs. Wetherholt had earlier hit a home run in his MLB debut and played a key role in the Cardinals' comeback win on opening day.

  • Wetherholt hit a home run in his MLB debut on Thursday, March 28.
  • On Saturday, March 30, Wetherholt delivered the walk-off hit in the 10th inning.

The players

JJ Wetherholt

A rookie outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals who has made an immediate impact in his first two major league games.

Oli Marmol

The manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, who expressed confidence in Wetherholt's ability to deliver in clutch situations.

Jordan Walker

A Cardinals outfielder who drew a leadoff walk in the 10th inning to set up Wetherholt's game-winning hit.

Victor Scott II

A Cardinals outfielder who advanced the runners to second and third with a bunt in the 10th inning.

Pedro Pages

The Cardinals' slow-running catcher who was on deck when Wetherholt came to the plate in the 10th.

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What they’re saying

“Brownie (hitting coach Brant Brown) pulled me aside and said, 'You get the first guy in, we'll worry about the second guy later.' He wanted a fly ball to center. Didn't work like that, but we'll take it.”

— JJ Wetherholt, Cardinals Outfielder

“I have a feeling we are going to see a lot of that. He doesn't scare. He stayed within himself and did exactly what was called for. It was perfect.”

— Oli Marmol, Cardinals Manager

What’s next

The Cardinals will look to complete a sweep of the season-opening three-game series against the Rays on Sunday, March 31, as Dustin May makes his St. Louis debut.

The takeaway

Wetherholt's heroics in his first two games showcase the Cardinals' impressive pipeline of young talent and their ability to develop players who can make an immediate impact at the major league level. His walk-off hit also demonstrates the team's resilience and ability to win close games, which will be crucial as they aim to compete for a playoff spot this season.