Reds Secure Series win Over Cardinals, 6-2, in Playoff Push
CINCINNATI – The Cincinnati Reds bolstered their postseason hopes Sunday wiht a decisive 6-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, powered by a strong pitching performance from Graham Singer and a go-ahead home run from Spencer Steer. Cincinnati utilized 11 hits to claim the rubber match of the three-game series, continuing their pursuit of the National League’s third wild card spot.
with just days remaining in the regular season, the Reds (76-76) are striving to extend their campaign, while the Cardinals (74-79) saw their playoff chances diminish further with the loss.This series win gives cincinnati momentum as they navigate a crucial stretch, and the team is keenly aware that every game carries significant weight in the crowded NL wild card race. The Reds finished the season series against St. Louis with a 7-6 record.
Singer delivered a quality start, allowing two runs – only one earned – and three hits across 5 2/3 innings. The Reds broke a tie in the fourth inning when Sal Stewart and Elly de La Cruz both reached base on walks against Cardinals starter Andre Pallante. Steer then launched his 18th home run of the season,a 411-foot shot with an exit velocity of 106.1 mph, to put Cincinnati ahead.
Steer continued to contribute offensively in the seventh, driving in two runs with a single off Matt Svanson, extending the reds’ lead to 6-2. Alec Burleson had provided the Cardinals’ lone offensive highlight earlier in the game, hitting his 18th home run in the first inning.
Pallante (6-15) struggled on the mound, conceding four runs and six hits over five innings, extending his winless streak to nine starts (0-8). Singer’s performance marked his seventh consecutive quality start,improving to 5-1 with a 1.94 ERA over that span, and securing a career-high 14th win for the season.
Looking Ahead: The Reds will continue their playoff push on Thursday, hosting the Chicago Cubs in the first of a four-game series, with Hunter Greene (6-4, 3.01 ERA) taking the mound. The Cardinals will travel to Milwaukee to face the NL central-leading Brewers on Friday, with Sonny Gray (13-8, 4.43 ERA) scheduled to start.
