Just one night removed from a complete meltdown, the Cardinals found a way to bounce back.
Thanks mostly to a critical four-run first inning, and as well to an impressive performance by the bullpen, the Cardinals were able to defeat the Cincinnati Reds 5-4 on Wednesday night.
In the first inning of the game, St. Louis had sent nine batters up against Reds starter Cody Reed (who dropped to 0-6 on the season), and made the most out of every at-bat. Brandon Moss and Greg Garcia combined to drive in four runs, and Jhonny Peralta continued his impressive hot streak against Cincinnati.
This season, Peralta is 12 of 28 (.429) against the Reds with three doubles and five home runs.
“He’s taking some great swings,” manager Mike Matheny said after the game. “In the first inning, that was a great at-bat he put together.”
St. Louis has had continued success against the Reds, as the teams conclude the series on Thursday. The Cardinals have won 18 of their past 22 series against Cincinnati, including eight of 11 at Great American Ball Park.
However, poor base-running ran rampant for the Cardinals all night long, as they had multiple chances to increase their lead, but two runners were thrown out at home plate, and yet another base runner was thrown out in between third base and home plate. It has been an issue throughout the majority of the baseball season, and St. Louis will look to improve on the situation.
A look at the starters for tomorrow’s rubber match:
Cardinals: Mike Leake (8-8) In his past 30 innings, Leake hasn’t walked a single batter. It’s the longest active streak in the majors and the second-longest this season behind Matt Schoemaker‘s 30 1/3 innings without a walk for the Los Angeles Angels.
Reds: Brandon Finnegan (6-8) is a career 1-1 against the Cardinals in five total starts with a 3.66 ERA.
