Michael McGreevy nearly made history in his first 2026 start, pitching six innings of no-hit baseball, but the St. Louis Cardinals needed a clutch performance from JJ Wetherholt in extra innings to edge the Tampa Bay Rays 6-5.
McGreevy dominated early, keeping Tampa Bay off the bases for the first three innings. The Rays’ first baserunner reached on an error by Ramón Urías on a slow infield play. Strong defensive plays, including a pop-out snag by Ivan Herrera in the 4th and a leaping grab by Wetherholt in the 6th, helped McGreevy maintain his no-hit bid. He finished after six innings with 98 pitches.
The Cardinals’ offense struck quickly in the top of the 1st. Wetherholt singled, stole second, moved to third on a flyout by Herrera, and scored on Alec Burleson’s single. Burleson later stole second and scored on a Nolan Gorman single, giving St. Louis an early lead.
St. Louis’ bullpen seemed steady initially. Riley O’Brien allowed the first hit in the 7th but induced a double play, and JoJo Romero handled the 8th with help from Victor Scott II’s diving catch in center.
The Cardinals extended their lead in the bottom of the 8th. Jordan Walker walked, Victor Scott II reached on a bunt single, and both advanced on a wild pitch. Wetherholt popped out, but Herrera doubled to drive in Walker, and Scott II scored on Burleson’s sacrifice fly, making it 4-0.
The game tightened in the 9th. Closer Matt Svanson allowed hits and walks, and a miscue by Wetherholt allowed Tampa Bay to score their first run. Ryne Stanek gave up additional hits, letting the Rays tie the game 4-4. In the 10th, Stanek gave up a single, putting Tampa Bay ahead 5-4.
In the bottom of the 10th, Wetherholt delivered the walk-off hit. With runners on first and second, his single to right scored Nathan Church and Jordan Walker, giving the Cardinals a 6-5 victory.
The win keeps St. Louis unbeaten at 2-0 to start the 2026 season. Dustin May is set to start for the Cardinals on Sunday as they aim to sweep the Rays.
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