Paul DeJong, Harrison Bader lead Cardinals over Indians

[July 28, 2021]    Paul DeJong belted a go-ahead, two-run home run in the seventh and Adam Wainwright tossed seven solid innings to fuel the visiting St. Louis Cardinals to a 4-2 victory over the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday.

St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Harrison Bader (48) and shortstop Paul DeJong (11) celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

St. Louis' Harrison Bader also went deep, added a pair of doubles and scored on a bases-loaded walk by Dylan Carlson in the ninth inning.

The Cardinals, who have won seven of their last 10 contests, will vie for a sweep of the two-game series when the teams reconvene on Wednesday afternoon.

Jose Ramirez launched a two-run homer and Bradley Zimmer had two of the five hits for the Indians, who have lost six of their last eight games.

Cleveland manager Terry Francona returned to the dugout after missing the team's previous two games with an ear infection and head cold.

Bryan Shaw (3-5) relieved starter Cal Quantrill in the seventh and recorded two quick outs before Matt Carpenter singled. DeJong followed by launching a 2-2 slider into the bleachers in left field for his 14th homer of the season.

Wainwright (8-6) allowed two runs on four hits while striking out eight batters during his first career appearance at Progressive Field. The 39-year-old now has pitched a regular-season game in 33 different major league ballparks.

Giovanny Gallegos bridged the gap to Alex Reyes, who pitched a scoreless ninth inning for his 24th save of the season.

Bader opened the scoring after depositing a 2-2 fastball from Quantrill just over the wall in right field to lead off the third inning. Bader's homer was his ninth of the season and third in his last four games.

Cleveland answered in the fourth inning as Amed Rosario singled and Ramirez crushed a 3-1 fastball from Wainwright over the wall in right field. Ramirez's homer was his team-leading 21st of the season and second in his last three games.

St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina returned following a three-game absence due to a stiff neck. Molina, who went 0-for-4 at the plate, threw out Ramirez as the latter attempted to steal second base in the sixth inning.

--Field Level Media

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