Pavin Smith exploded for a grand slam and a career-high six RBIs, leading the Arizona Diamondbacks to a resounding 14-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday night at Busch Stadium.
Smith, who was recalled from Triple-A Reno on Friday, delivered his second career grand slam in the decisive sixth inning. Earlier in the game, he had already driven in two runs with a double in the fifth.
Christian Walker ignited the Diamondbacks’ offense with a three-run blast off Steven Matz in the third inning, marking his fourth homer of the season. Kevin Newman joined the home run party with a two-run shot in the fifth inning, his first of the year.
Tommy Henry, the 26-year-old left-hander, tossed six effective innings to earn his first win in five starts this season. He allowed only one run on five hits, striking out six while surrendering just one walk.
The Diamondbacks’ relentless attack continued throughout the game, pounding out 15 hits in total. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. led the way with three hits, while Randal Grichuk notched his 1,000th career hit on a single in the fifth.
In contrast, the Cardinals struggled to keep pace, managing just one home run from Willson Contreras. Steven Matz endured a rough outing, allowing seven runs on six hits over 4 1/3 innings. He struck out four but also walked three batters.
The Cardinals’ injury concerns mounted as Contreras left the game in the fifth inning with a side issue. Matt Carpenter, who had been placed on the injured list with an oblique strain, received a pain-killing injection on Monday and will rest for two more days.
The series concludes on Wednesday as Arizona right-hander Jordan Montgomery faces St. Louis right-hander Kyle Gibson.
