Cincinnati Reds End Five-Game Slide With 7-4 Win Over Cardinals

Austin Hays hit a tiebreaking two-run homer and Matt McLain added a solo home run for the second consecutive game, leading the Cincinnati Reds to a 7-4 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday, snapping a five-game losing streak and avoiding a series sweep. Brady Singer delivered a strong start for the Reds, pitching six innings with three runs allowed, eight strikeouts, and no walks. The Cardinals scored first with a sacrifice fly and a two-out hit, but the Reds responded with key RBI hits from Ke’Bryan Hayes and TJ Friedl to take the lead. Cardinals rookie Jimmy Crooks hit his first major league home run in his first start behind the plate, narrowing the Reds' lead late in the game. Andre Pallante struggled for St. Louis, giving up five runs (two earned) over five innings, continuing a tough stretch with 12 losses in his last 13 starts. Cincinnati’s bullpen closed the game effectively, with Tony Santillan and Emilio Pagán each striking out the side in the eighth and ninth innings, respectively.