Rangers trounce Cardinals in rubber match to take the series in Arlington

ARLINGTON, Texas (KMIZ)

For just the second time in the last 11 series, the St. Louis Cardinals ended up with up with a series loss on their hands. The Texas Rangers took care of business in rubber match action, defeating STL 8-1.

Rangers shortstop Josh Smith had himself a day against the Red Birds, as he matched his career-high of four RBI, courtesy of a two-run home run in the eighth inning and a two-run double in the second. His outing came as a result of another tough day for Cardinals pitcher Erik Fedde. He continues to search for his first win on the hill since May 9, after allowing two earned runs on four hits through six innings.

Skipper Oli Marmol's team didn't fair to well at the plate, either. Texas pitcher Jacob deGrom settled in, after allowing Wilson Contreras to line a single into right field to score Lars Nootbaar in the first inning. deGrom ended up staying in the game and pitching for 6.0 innings, as he allowed just that one earned run on four hits.

With the loss, the Cardinals fall to 33-26 overall and sit 4.0 games behind the Chicago Cubs in the National League Central standings.

Up next - St. Louis will return to Busch Stadium to host the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday, June 3 at 6:45 p.m.