ST. LOUIS, July 8 (UPI) -- Rafael Fucal's two-run single in the bottom of the ninth inning Sunday completed a do-or-die rally that lifted St. Louis to a 5-4 win over Miami.
Trailing 4-2 entering their final at-bat, the Cardinals stunned Miami with three runs to claim the rubber match of a three-game series at Busch Stadium.
Marlins closer Heath Bell (2-5) allowed a one-out single to Allen Craig, who went to third on Mike Carpenter's ground-rule double over the left-center field fence.
Pinch-hitter David Freese drew a walk and Tony Cruz then delivered a sacrifice fly, cutting St. Louis' deficit to a run.
After David Descalso walked to load the bases, Furcal ripped a pitch down the left-field line, scoring Carpenter to tie it up.
Freese followed close behind with the game-winning run, beating a tag at the plate by Miami catcher John Buck.
Mitchell Boggs (2-1) got the final out to end a Marlins rally in the top ninth, earning the victory for St. Louis.
Austin Kearns clubbed a three-run homer for the Marlins.
