It was a night of streaks last night in Cincinnati as the St. Louis Cardinals started a three game weekend series against the Reds. The Cardinals had lost three in a row, while the Reds had won five in a row. St. Louis would stop their slide by beating Cincinnati 4-3.
Another quality start by a Cardinal starter would once again lead the way. Jamie Garcia picked up his fourth win of the season. He would go six and a third, giving up two runs, while striking out six.
The Cardinal bullpen of Kyle McClellan and Mitchell Boggs would shut down the Reds. But there would be some anxious moments in the ninth, as Cards closer Ryan Franklin would give up one run in the ninth. He would hang on and pick up his eighth save of the season.
One other streak was also broken last night. It had been nine games since the Cardinals had hit a home run. Albert Pujols and Ryan Ludwick put a stop to this as they both hit two run blasts. Over those nine games, the Redbirds were 2-7.
Despite it only being May, the Reds had trimmed the Cardinal lead in the NL Central to just a half game. With the win, St. Louis now has a game and a half lead in the division.
Game two of the series is tonight with Adam Wainwright going after his sixth win of the season. Cincinnati will counter with Mike Leake.
First pitch is 6:10.