TJ Friedl played a crucial role in the Cincinnati Reds’ 3-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday night. Friedl delivered a two-run single and also scored a run in the fifth inning. Meanwhile, Elly De La Cruz, a standout for the Reds, added to his MLB-leading total of 64 stolen bases by swiping two more bases during the game. Unfortunately, De La Cruz was caught stealing in the third inning after the Cardinals anticipated his move.
Pitcher Rhett Lowder secured his first major league win in his third appearance, showcasing an impressive performance for the Reds. The 22-year-old right-hander, who was a top pick in the 2023 draft, pitched five scoreless innings, striking out three batters without giving up any walks. Emilio Pagán sealed the victory by pitching a scoreless ninth inning and earning his first save, despite loading the bases before striking out the next three Cardinals batters.
On the Cardinals side, pitcher Andre Pallante struggled, yielding three runs on six hits over five innings. Despite striking out six batters, Pallante also issued five walks, a balk, and a wild pitch. The Reds capitalized on their opportunities in the fifth inning, breaking the scoring deadlock and securing the win.
In a dramatic turn of events, Reds’ manager David Bell was ejected from the game in the sixth inning following a contentious strikeout call on De La Cruz. This marked Bell’s fifth ejection of the season and the 32nd of his career.
Offensively, Brendan Donovan stood out for the Cardinals with three singles in four at-bats during the game.
In other team news, the Cardinals recalled infielder Thomas Saggese from Triple-A Memphis, while outfielder Victor Scott II was optioned to Memphis. Saggese, acquired from Texas last summer, made an immediate impact in the game on Tuesday.
On the injury front, Reds’ second baseman Jonathan India returned to the lineup after dealing with left elbow discomfort, while Cardinals’ infielder Brendan Donovan, who had been sidelined due to a foot infection, made his return to the starting lineup. Additionally, Cardinals’ pitcher Lance Lynn is slated to be activated and start the next game after recovering from a knee strain.
Looking ahead, Lance Lynn, with an impressive track record against Cincinnati at Busch Stadium, will take the mound for the Cardinals in the upcoming game, while the Reds are yet to announce their starting pitcher.