In a tightly contested game at Great American Ball Park on Wednesday night, the Cincinnati Reds edged the St. Louis Cardinals 5-4. The decisive moment came in the sixth inning when Sal Stewart belted a three‑run homer that traveled 422 feet over the center‑field wall.
Key moments
After falling behind 2-0, the Reds responded in the bottom of the sixth. Matt McLain doubled and Elly De La Cruz singled, setting the stage for Stewart. His blast, his 27th of the year, not only erased the deficit but also gave him his 94th RBI, the league lead for the season.
Following the homer, the Reds added two more runs. A throwing error allowed McLain to reach first base, and Jose Trevino scored on the play, extending the lead to 5-2. Later in the inning, Dane Myers dropped a run‑scoring bunt, further solidifying the advantage.
Pitching performances
Reds starter Chase Burns worked five innings, striking out eight while allowing two earned runs on six hits and two walks. Reliever Sam Moll, who earned the win, pitched the sixth inning, surrendering only one hit and a walk while striking out a batter.
For the Cardinals, Matthew Liberatore struck out nine over six innings but took the loss after the late rally. In the ninth, Jordan Walker hit a two‑run home run, his 25th of the season, narrowing the gap to one run before the Reds closed it out.
Closing the game
With two outs in the ninth, José Fermín doubled and advanced to third on a wild pitch to Masyn Winn. Winn attempted to advance on a throw from closer Emilio Pagán, who threw him out at first to secure the final out. Pagán recorded his 16th save of the season.
The win improves Cincinnati’s standing in the series and gives Stewart a notable statistical milestone, becoming the third‑fastest Reds player since 1920 to surpass 100 RBIs in a season.
Looking ahead
Both clubs will continue the series on Thursday. The Cardinals will start right‑hander Michael McGreevy (5-9, 3.48 ERA), while the Reds will counter with right‑hander Brady Singer (5-11, 4.66 ERA).
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
