A day after the Cardinals beat the Reds 13-1; they continued this season’s Jekyll and Hyde act losing 10-3, Tuesday.
Leadoff hitter Ryan Freel had three hits and scored three runs. He also made an amazing catch in the fifth inning that very well could’ve saved the game.
Cincinnati gave up 17 hits in the series opening loss, but rebounded to record the same number of hits in game 2, moving to within 3 ½ games back of first place in the National League Central.
The Reds haven’t been able to capitalize on two Cardinals eight-game losing streaks, but have been able to maintain a puncher’s chance by going 7-3 against the NL Central’s top team. The two teams will play five more times in the next nine days.
St. Louis only trailed 4-2 going into the bottom of the seventh, but gave up six runs in the seventh and eighth innings. Adam Wainright, the sixth and final Cardinals pitcher used, was the only one to keep the Reds scoreless. Starter Jason Marquis made it a long night for the bullpen as he failed to win his 13th game. Marquis lasted only 2.2 innings allowing four runs on nine hits and surrendering a home run to Rich Aurilia.
Eric Milton was shaky at times, but the Reds starter had enough to limit to the Cardinals to two runs – one earned –on five hits in six innings. He also walked four and struck out three.
Related web sites:
Cardinals Official Website