Reds defeat Cardinals 3-0 with Friedl’s clutch hitting
- TJ Friedl's two-run single and subsequent run in the fifth inning propelled the Reds to a 3-0 win over the Cardinals.
- Elly De La Cruz stole two bases, raising his MLB-leading total to 64, while Emilio Pagán secured his first save of the season.
- The Reds' strong performance, particularly in the fifth inning, showcased their offensive and defensive capabilities, leading to a decisive victory.
On Tuesday night in St. Louis, the Cincinnati Reds secured a 3-0 victory over the Cardinals, primarily due to a strong fifth inning. TJ Friedl played a pivotal role, driving in two runs with a single and later scoring the third run. Elly De La Cruz contributed by stealing two bases, increasing his MLB-leading total to 64. Despite being thrown out once, his aggressive base running created scoring opportunities for the team. The Reds' pitching was also noteworthy, with Emilio Pagán earning his first save of the season. He faced a challenging ninth inning, loading the bases but managing to strike out three consecutive batters, showcasing his resilience under pressure. This performance was crucial in maintaining the shutout against the Cardinals. St. Louis struggled offensively throughout the game, with manager Oliver Marmol acknowledging the team's difficulties in generating runs. Brendan Donovan stood out for the Cardinals, recording three singles, but the team failed to capitalize on their chances, stranding multiple runners. The game was marked by a notable ejection, as Reds manager David Bell was thrown out in the sixth inning after a controversial strike call against De La Cruz. This incident added to the tension of the match, reflecting the competitive nature of the rivalry between the two teams. Overall, the Reds' victory highlighted their effective hitting and solid pitching, contributing to their ongoing success in the season.