TAMPA, Fla. — A Cardinals’ offense as persistent as it was opportunistic turned whatever was offered into a decisive rally early that gave its pitchers plenty of room to navigate a ballpark the club only knew from spring training.

Leadoff hitter Lars Nootbaar spurred a five-run burst in the second inning and Willson Contreras hit a solo home run late to lift the Cardinals to a 7-4 victory against the Tampa Bay Rays and George Steinbrenner Field.

The Cardinals used a mix of hits from throughout the lineup, misplays by the Rays, and a timely wild pitch to put together the offense that gave starter Sonny Gray a chance for his 12th win of the season. Nootbaar reached base four times and had a double in the decisive second inning. Lefty JoJo Romero secured his fourth save of the season with t

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