St. Louis – Alec Burleson delivered a decisive two‑run double in the first inning, giving the St. Louis Cardinals a 2‑0 lead that held up against the Cincinnati Reds in Game 1 of a Monday doubleheader.
Burleson’s double down the right‑field line brought in Joshua Báez and Iván Herrera, providing the early cushion. Báez, who set a major‑league record with three home runs in his first three at‑bats last weekend, went hitless for the second straight day.
Left‑hander Quinn Mathews, making his second career start, allowed a solo homer to Dane Myers in the fourth inning, his only run over four innings. Mathews exited after allowing two hits, three walks and striking out seven.
Stout bullpen preserves the lead
The Cardinals’ bullpen shut down the Reds for the final five frames, surrendering just one hit. Luis Gastelum (3‑2), Gordon Graceffo and George Soriano each threw three‑up, three‑down innings. Reliever Ryne Stanek added a scoreless eighth, and All‑Star closer Riley O’Brien struck out the side in the ninth for his NL‑leading 31st save.
For Cincinnati, Kent Emanuel (0‑1) started after the club selected the 34‑year‑old left‑hander from Triple‑A Louisville. Emanuel gave up two runs on five hits over five innings.
Looking ahead
The Cardinals will send right‑hander Andre Pallante (12‑6, 3.46 ERA) to the mound for the nightcap, while the Reds will counter with right‑hander Rhett Lowder (4‑8, 5.15 ERA).
St. Louis improves to 10‑4 in its last 14 games as it continues to chase a National League wild‑card berth.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
