A five-run seventh inning threw off the St Louis Cardinals’ plans for a smooth trip back home to Busch Stadium, but the Redbirds were able to score two runs in the tenth to defeat the Chicago White Sox 8-6 on Thursday, June 19, securing the sweep of the doubleheader and interleague series at Rate Field.

After Chicago’s Ryan Noda hit a solo shot in the first inning, the Cardinals responded with back-to-back long bombs in the top of the second with two outs. Alec Burleson launched a three-run blast to left field, followed by a solo home run from Nolan Arenado, the 350th of his career. Willson Contreras extended the lead in the fourth with a ground ball deflected by the second baseman into right field, allowing Nolan Gorman and Pedro Pagés to score.

The White Sox would rally in the seventh to tie the game. Mike Tauchman singled with two outs to make the score 6-2, and after a four-pitch walk to load the bases, Andrew Benintendi tagged Kyle Leahy on the next pitch for a grand slam.

After two scoreless frames, Arenado became the hero when he singled in the leadoff runner in the tenth. While Arenado was out attempting to reach second on the play, Lars Nootbaar’s home run to right-center field added insurance. Andre Granillo allowed a walk but ended the game with a strikeout to book his first save of the year. JoJo Romero pitched a scoreless ninth for his third win of the season. Michael McGreevy pitched five innings, allowing one run on three hits and one walk while striking out five.

The Cardinals advance to 40-35 on the season, tied with Milwaukee for second in the NL Central. They’re 5.5 games behind the Cubs for the division, while a half-game behind the Padres for the third wild card spot. The Cardinals are back at Busch Stadium on Friday evening for the start of a three-game series against Cincinnati, who currently sit a game behind the Redbirds. Andre Pallante will take the mound for St Louis, while Brady Singer gets the start for the Reds. First pitch is at 6:15 p.m.