Cardinals secure Opening Day win over Tampa Bay

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The St. Louis Cardinals started the season on the right foot, taking down the Rays, 9-7.

Both teams' pitching came out hot to start the season, with neither side allowing a run until the third inning.

Cardinals rookie and the organization's top prospect JJ Wetherholt broke open the scoring when he hit a home run in his second career major league at bat.

Tampa Bay responded in the top of the fifth, Jonathan Aranda answered with a long shot of his own to level the game at one. The Rays kept coming, as they mounted a six-run inning in the sixth to take a 7-1 lead.

However, it didn't take long for St. Louis to answer back, in the bottom of the sixth, they responded with four runs before the Rays could record an out. With a pair of sacrifice flies, the red birds managed to tie the game at seven. But the run didn't end there, Alec Burleson crushed the a go-ahead home run to complete the rally and take a 9-7 lead.

In total, 14 runs were scored in the sixth inning, six pitchers were used, and 22 players made a plate appearance.

The final three innings reverted back to a stale mate, with Ryne Stanek picking up the save for the Cardinals, and striking out Richie Palacios with the bases loaded to seal the deal for St. Louis.

Up Next - The Cardinals will play game two of their series against Tampa Bay on Saturday, March 28. First pitch is scheduled for 1:15 p.m.