Full Breakdown
Rangers Secure Ninth-Inning Victory Over Cardinals, Extend Winning Streak to Five
6/3/2026, 9:21:57 PM
Background & Series Context
Texas entered the Tuesday night game on a season-best five-game winning streak, while St. Louis held a 2-9 record in St. Louis against the Rangers; the series was tied 1-1.
Game Summary
Texas beat St. Louis 7-4. Joc Pederson’s ninth-inning walk-off single produced the winning run. Pederson went 3-for-4 (.750) with two doubles and two RBIs; Josh Jung added two RBIs and Kyle Higashioka had three hits. Nathan Eovaldi recorded his first no-decision in 12 starts, ending a franchise-record streak of 12 consecutive decisions for a starter.
Timeline of Key Plays
- 2nd inning – Jimmy Crooks RBI single ended a 28 1/3 -inning scoreless streak by Rangers starters (third-longest in franchise history).
- 4th inning – Nolan Gorman solo homer gave Cardinals a 2-0 lead.
- 5th–6th innings – Evan Carter reached on an infield hit; Kyle Higashioka single moved him to third; Nicky Lopez fielder’s choice scored Carter (2-1). Pederson’s double tied 2-2. Alejandro Osuna single later scored Jake Burger, giving Rangers a 3-2 lead; Dustin May exited after 5 2/3 innings.
- 7th inning – Pederson sacrifice fly extended Rangers lead to 4-2; Cardinals rallied with singles by JJ Wetherholt, Alec Burleson and Jordan Walker, tying 4-4.
- 8th–9th innings – Pederson’s bloop single made it 5-4; Jung’s double pushed it to 6-4; Nimmo’s sacrifice fly set the final 7-4 score; Pederson’s walk-off single in the ninth secured the win.
Data & Statistics
Rangers: 7 runs, 10 hits, 2 errors. Cardinals: 4 runs, 9 hits, 1 error. Pederson 3-for-4 (.750) with two doubles, two RBIs; Jung two RBIs; Higashioka three hits. Eovaldi 0-0, 1.86 ERA in 12 starts (first no-decision). Cal Quantrill retired Iván Herrera on one pitch. Cardinals 2-9 in St. Louis.
Criticism & Missed Opportunities
The Cardinals could not preserve their early 2-0 lead, and a ninth-inning relief lapse by Riley O’Brien (walk, wild pitch) set up the walk-off. Pinch-hitters Nelson Velázquez and José Fermín struck out without advancing runners.
Official Managerial Decisions
Skip Schumaker removed Nathan Eovaldi for Jalen Beeks in the eighth and kept Riley O’Brien for the ninth. Oli Marmol called on Nelson Velázquez and José Fermín as pinch-hitters in the eighth, both striking out.
Why It Matters
The win extended Texas’ season-best five-game streak and underscored its dominance in St. Louis, where the Cardinals are 2-9. Eovaldi’s no-decision halted a franchise-record run of 12 straight decisions for a starter, highlighting the Rangers’ pitching depth.
What’s Next
The series finale features Texas left-hander Mackenzie Gore (4-4, 3.96 ERA) versus St. Louis right-hander Andre Gallante (5-4, 4.19 ERA). The Cardinals seek to avoid a sweep; the Rangers aim for a sixth straight win.
