The 10th inning is where it broke open. Sal Stewart came off the bench and slapped a pinch-hit single to score Tyler Stephenson and put the Reds up 3-2, then Nathaniel Lowe followed with a single that brought in both De La Cruz and Stewart to make it 5-2. Alec Burleson got one back with an RBI single, but St. Louis couldn't find a second. That finishing kick is exactly the kind of late-game execution the Reds have leaned on all week, and it's the difference between a series split and a sweep.
- Day-To-DaySpencer Steer (1B) — The Reds announced that Steer was removed from Sunday's game against the Cardinals in the fifth inning due to right wrist pain.07/26
- 10-Day-ILMatt McLain (2B) — McLain (calf) served as the designated hitter and went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored for Triple-A Louisville on Saturday.07/26
- 10-Day-ILBlake Dunn (CF) — Dunn (elbow) suffered a setback prior to being sent on a rehab assignment, MLB.com reports.07/25
- 15-Day-ILTony Santillan (RP) — Santillan (oblique) threw out to 75 feet Friday and experienced no discomfort, MLB.com reports.07/25
- 15-Day-ILNick Lodolo (SP) — Lodolo (blister) will attempt to throw a bullpen Wednesday, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.07/21
- 60-Day-ILBrandon Williamson (SP) — Williamson (shoulder) is scheduled to face hitters Wednesday, MLB.com reports.07/21
- 60-Day-ILGraham Ashcraft (RP) — Ashcraft (elbow) is on a throwing program, which will have him throw from 105 feet beginning July 20 at the Reds' training facility in Arizona, MLB.com reports.07/18
- Day-To-DayLars Nootbaar (LF) — Nootbaar (illness) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Reds.07/26
- 15-Day-ILJoJo Romero (RP) — The Cardinals do not expect Romero (appendicitis) to be ready for activation from the 15-day injured list when first eligible, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.07/19
- 60-Day-ILRamon Urias (3B) — Urias (elbows) has been sent to Triple-A Memphis and will begin a rehab assignment Saturday, Amber Winkler of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.07/23
- 60-Day-ILMax Rajcic (RP) — Rajcic revealed on his Instagram account Thursday that he recently underwent a right elbow UCL reconstruction.07/23
Cincinnati has plenty working against it on paper, a 48-55 record and a rotation gutted by injuries to Nick Lodolo, Brandon Williamson and Graham Ashcraft among others, but this trip was a reminder that the roster still has teeth when the lineup clicks. Winning 3 straight road series for the first time since 2023 isn't nothing for a team that's spent most of the year buried in the standings. For St. Louis, dropping the finale after cruising in game one, 7-0, is the kind of split-personality week that's defined a Cardinals club now at 53-51 and treading water in a crowded middle of the pack.