Cincinnati RedsvsSt. Louis Cardinals
CIN 5/STL 6
Things to say
Cardinals edged the Reds 6-5 at Busch.
01
opener
Cards squeaked one out at Busch, 6-5. Reds had it tied late and just couldn't get the big hit. Classic NL Central rock fight.
02
key player
Whoever the Cards put in the heart of the order earned his check tonight. Two-run shot left the yard and a sac fly to bring in the go-ahead. That's the swing.
03
hot take
Reds' manager went to the pen way too early. You had your starter cruising and you yanked him for matchups in the sixth. That's how you blow a one-run lead.
04
deep cut
Cincy's bullpen WHIP this month is brutal. You can see it in their body language by the seventh — they know they're walking the leadoff guy.
05
exit
Anyway, getaway day tomorrow, see if the Reds can salvage one before they hit the road.
The recap
Cardinals squeaked one out at Busch, 6-5 over Cincinnati in a game that had no business being that close. Reds clawed back late and you could feel the manager wishing he hadn't gone to the pen too early, because that bullpen gave up the lead in the seventh and St.
Louis pounced. Heart of the order did the damage for the Cards down the stretch, with a clutch knock that flipped the scoreboard for good.
Reds drop another winnable one and slide back under .500 at 31-32.