Cardinals Defeat Reds 3-0 in Crucial NL Central Series

The Cincinnati Reds and Oakland Athletics are beginning a three-game series with the Athletics hosting. The Athletics hold a 67-80 overall record and have performed well in games with at least eight hits, while the Reds have a 74-72 overall record and rank ninth in the NL for team batting average. Key players include Jacob Wilson and Lawrence Butler for the Athletics, and Elly De La Cruz and Austin Hays for the Reds. Meanwhile, the Reds suffered a 3-0 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, their fourth defeat in five games, further diminishing their playoff hopes as they trail the Mets for the last National League Wild Card spot. Cardinals pitcher Michael McGreevy delivered seven scoreless innings, while Reds starter Andrew Abbott struggled despite seven strikeouts. The Reds' offense was stymied by McGreevy's pitching and now face an uphill battle to secure a postseason berth with 11 games remaining.