The Cardinals feel pretty confident as long as Scott is playing third base for them. Their normal starter, Scott Rolen, had the day off suffering from back spasms. His replacement Scott Spiezio filled in just fine homering and driving in 2-RBI in the Cardinals 6-1 win over the Reds, Thursday.

St. Louis was able to grab a series split and increase their National League Central lead to 3.5 games. Jim Edmonds and Chris Duncan also homered for the Redbirds.

Rookie starter Anthony Reyes supported the offense with five shutout innings on the mound. He gave up two hits while striking out five. Adam Wainright, Randy Flores, and Brad Thompson combined to pitch four innings of one-run ball out of the bullpen.

Losing pitcher Bronson Arroyo – lucky cornrows and all – struggle through seven innings, allowing five runs – four earned – on ten hits and striking out eight.