The St. Louis Cardinals delivered a strong performance at Busch Stadium, overcoming the Cincinnati Reds 3-0 on a sweltering evening. The Cardinals improved their season record to 73-78, while the Reds now stand at an even 75-75. Michael McGreevy took the win for the Cardinals, bringing his season record to 6-3 with a 4.44 ERA.
Andrew Abbott took the mound for the Reds and was charged with the loss, as the Cardinals managed to score three runs in the first three innings. Despite Abbott’s seven strikeouts, he struggled with control, allowing eight hits and three earned runs in 4.67 innings. The defeat places the Reds 16 games behind the division leader in the NL Central.
Cardinals’ Offensive Highlights
St. Louis’s offense capitalized early, with Brendan Donovan, Alec Burleson, and Thomas Saggese each contributing key hits. Donovan went 1-for-4, doubling in the process, while Saggese’s two-run homer in the third inning provided a comfortable lead. Nolan Arenado added an RBI with a sacrifice fly, further solidifying the Cardinals’ control over the game.
While Lars Nootbaar and Jordan Walker were unable to record hits, their presence in the lineup added depth. Pedro Pagés displayed resilience at the plate, collecting two hits in his three at-bats. The Cardinals ended the game with a total of eight hits, all contributing to their three runs scored.
Pitching Dominance
Michael McGreevy was exceptional on the mound, delivering seven scoreless innings and limiting the Reds to just three hits. McGreevy’s performance was bolstered by six strikeouts and three walks, effectively keeping Cincinnati’s offense at bay. Jacob Romero and Ryan O’Brien completed the shutout with solid outings from the bullpen, each pitching a scoreless inning.
For the Reds, Gabriel Lux stood out with a double, but the lineup struggled collectively, managing only three hits throughout the game. Elly De La Cruz reached base twice, contributing a hit and a walk, but Cincinnati’s efforts were stifled by the Cardinals’ sharp pitching. Terry Francona’s team now looks to regroup as they face the Cardinals again tomorrow.
Upcoming Challenges
The Reds have a quick turnaround as they prepare for a rematch against the Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The team will need to address their offensive struggles to improve their road record, which currently stands at 35-41. Following the series in St. Louis, the Reds will return home to face the Chicago Cubs at Great American Ball Park.
The Cardinals, under the guidance of manager Oliver Marmol, aim to build on this victory and close out their series against Cincinnati with another win. They hold a 41-35 record at home, where they’ll remain for a series against the Milwaukee Brewers. The team continues to push for a positive finish to their season despite being 18 games back in the division.
As the regular season winds down, both the Reds and Cardinals are looking to refine their gameplay and end on a high note. Each team will focus on improving specific areas: Cincinnati will work on consistency in hitting, while St. Louis seeks to maintain its pitching strength. With several division games remaining, the intensity on the field is expected to remain high.
With MLB playoff aspirations fading for both teams, individual performances and developmental strides will be under the microscope. Fans can expect to see younger players getting opportunities to prove their mettle as team management evaluates for the next season. The current series offers a preview of the potential changes and strategies heading into the 2026 season.
