The Cincinnati Reds emerged victorious in a thrilling 7-6 win against the St. Louis Cardinals, splitting their day-night doubleheader on Saturday. Spencer Steer scored the winning run in the 11th inning with a headfirst slide on Blake Dunn’s one-hopper to shortstop.

Elly De La Cruz was instrumental in the Reds’ success, hitting a three-run homer that contributed to a 5-1 lead by the fifth inning. Nathaniel Lowe also added to the score with a two-run shot. However, the Cardinals mounted a comeback, with Jordan Walker tying the game at 6-all in the ninth inning with a two-out RBI single.

In the 11th inning, Steer, who was the automatic runner, advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by P.J. Higgins. A subsequent walk to Dane Myers put runners on the corners, setting the stage for Dunn’s pivotal play. Despite a strong defensive effort by Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn and catcher Yohel Pozo, Steer was declared safe after a replay review upheld the call.

Dunn was credited with an RBI on a fielder’s choice and also made a crucial defensive play in the top of the inning, preventing the go-ahead run with a sliding catch in shallow right field.

Game Highlights

In the first game of the doubleheader, the Cardinals secured an 8-1 victory, with Bryan Torres making a notable major league debut by hitting a two-run homer and a single. The Reds’ De La Cruz hit his 12th home run of the season during the nightcap, while Lowe homered in both games.

Myers contributed with a pinch-hit RBI double in the sixth inning, giving the Reds a 6-4 lead. Despite Tony Santillan’s third blown save of the season, Pierce Johnson pitched two perfect innings to secure the win for the Reds.

Looking ahead, the Cardinals will face the Reds again, with LHP Matthew Liberatore set to pitch against RHP Brady Singer in the series finale on Sunday.

Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.