This makeup game from Thursday's rainout presents an intriguing pitching matchup with contrasting narratives. Chris Paddack enters with a bloated 7.07 ERA and 0-4 record, having struggled mightily with command and velocity drops from his recent starts. His fastball has averaged just 87.6 mph in recent outings, down from previous seasons, while his 1.54 WHIP indicates persistent baserunner issues. Meanwhile, Andre Pallante brings a more respectable 4.04 ERA despite some control concerns (3.49 BB/9), but his recent velocity readings of 94.9 mph on the fastball and sharp slider usage give him a clear stuff advantage in today's conditions. The Cardinals' road success (15-8) contrasts sharply with Cincinnati's home struggles, though the Reds have shown offensive life recently with back-to-back strong performances against Philadelphia. Elly De La Cruz remains the x-factor with 11 home runs already, while Jordan Walker's 13 homers pace St. Louis's attack. Both bullpens face questions - Cincinnati's is decimated by injuries to Caleb Ferguson, Emilio Pagán, and others, while St. Louis may feel fatigue from the disrupted schedule. The weather conditions could favor contact over strikeouts, potentially benefiting Cincinnati's more aggressive approach. The split doubleheader format means fresh lineups, but both rotations are pushed back a day, creating subtle adjustments in preparation and timing that could influence early innings.

Scoring Dynamics

Early (1-3) 3R Both struggling starters vulnerable early, Cardinals strike first

Middle (4-6) 5R Offensive surge as pitch counts climb and middle relief enters

Late (7-9) 1R Bullpens settle in, Reds manufacture late winning run

Matchup Analysis

Reds

Home field advantage in day game

Recent offensive surge (9-4, 4-1 wins)

Elly De La Cruz power threat (11 HR, 32 RBI)

Chris Paddack's 7.07 ERA struggles

Depleted bullpen with three relievers on IL

Cardinals

Better road record (15-8)

Andre Pallante's superior ERA (4.04)

Jordan Walker's consistent production (13 HR, 35 RBI)

Recent offensive slump (2 runs in last 2 games)

Bullpen fatigue from makeup game scheduling

Risk Factors

Heavy drizzle affecting grip and command

Makeup game disrupts both teams' routines

Key Matchups

Elly De La Cruz vs Andre Pallante batter Power vs finesse, De La Cruz thrives on Pallante's slider location

Jordan Walker vs Chris Paddack batter Walker's .295 average vs Paddack's command issues

JJ Bleday vs Andre Pallante batter Bleday's .299 average suggests good timing against Cardinals pitching

Statistical Edges

First to Score Cardinals 58%

Strikeouts 14 11-17

Total Runs 9 7-11

Game Preview

Game 1 of this split doubleheader begins under heavy drizzle at Great American Ball Park, with both teams adjusting to the makeup game atmosphere. Andre Pallante takes the mound first and immediately benefits from the conditions, as his slider grips better in the moisture. Jordan Walker leads off the second inning with a sharp single to right, and after a wild pitch from the struggling Chris Paddack, Walker advances to second. Victor Scott II drives him home with a two-out single, giving St. Louis an early 1-0 advantage. The Reds respond quickly in the bottom of the second when JJ Bleday doubles off the wall in left-center, then scores on Matt McLain's ground-ball single through the right side. Cincinnati breaks through for two runs in the fourth inning as Elly De La Cruz launches Pallante's hanging slider over the left field wall for his 12th homer, followed by consecutive singles and a sacrifice fly. The Cardinals answer immediately in the fifth when Pallante helps his own cause with an RBI single, then JJ Wetherholt adds a two-run double down the line to reclaim the lead 4-3. The game enters the late innings as a classic National League Central slugfest, with both bullpens working carefully in the drizzle. Cincinnati manufactures the tying run in the sixth on a walk, stolen base, and McLain's clutch RBI single. The decisive moment comes in the ninth inning when De La Cruz reaches on an infield single, steals second base with his blazing speed, and scores the winning run on Nathaniel Lowe's opposite-field single to right. The Reds walk off 5-4, taking game one of the split doubleheader as the Great American Ball Park crowd celebrates through the persistent drizzle.

The confidence level reflects the significant pitching disparity favoring St. Louis, but Cincinnati's recent offensive surge and home field advantage create enough uncertainty to prevent higher confidence. Weather conditions add an unpredictable element to both teams' approach.

Probable Pitchers

A. Pallante Cardinals

St. Louis Cardinals — Roster

Player	Pos	AVG	HR	RBI	OBP	SLG
JJ Wetherholt	2B	.238	9	25	.357	.407
Iván Herrera	C	.269	6	25	.395	.441
Alec Burleson	1B	.295	7	35	.364	.468
Jordan Walker	RF	.293	14	38	.362	.569
Nolan Gorman	DH	.222	6	25	.310	.358
Masyn Winn	SS	.245	1	17	.330	.337
Bryan Torres	LF	.500	1	2	.600	1.250
César Prieto	3B	.000	0	0	.000	.000
Victor Scott II	CF	.203	2	7	.261	.276

Cincinnati Reds — Roster

Player	Pos	AVG	HR	RBI	OBP	SLG
JJ Bleday	LF	.288	6	20	.396	.613
Elly De La Cruz	SS	.284	11	32	.350	.515
Sal Stewart	DH	.259	12	34	.347	.492
Nathaniel Lowe	1B	.259	7	21	.328	.528
Eugenio Suárez	3B	.226	3	11	.301	.355
Spencer Steer	2B	.270	7	18	.340	.443
Blake Dunn	RF	.355	1	1	.412	.581
Tyler Stephenson	C	.179	3	13	.285	.285
TJ Friedl	CF	.177	2	8	.256	.259

Scoring Plays

▼ 2

Nathaniel Lowe homers (7) on a fly ball to right field.

0-1

▲ 3

Alec Burleson singles on a ground ball to center fielder Dane Myers, deflected by shortstop Elly De La Cruz. JJ Wetherholt scores. Iván Herrera to 3rd.

1-1

▲ 3

Jordan Walker grounds into a force out, shortstop Elly De La Cruz to second baseman Spencer Steer. Iván Herrera scores. Alec Burleson out at 2nd. Jordan Walker to 1st.

2-1

▲ 4

JJ Wetherholt singles on a line drive to second baseman Spencer Steer, deflected by first baseman Nathaniel Lowe. Masyn Winn scores. Bryan Torres to 3rd. Victor Scott II to 2nd.

3-1

▲ 7

Jordan Walker homers (14) on a line drive to right center field. Iván Herrera scores.

5-1

▲ 8

Iván Herrera triples (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Blake Dunn, deflected by center fielder Dane Myers. Victor Scott II scores.

6-1

▲ 9

Bryan Torres homers (1) on a fly ball to right center field. Masyn Winn scores.

8-1

St. Louis Cardinals — Batting

Player	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	K	HR	AVG	OPS
JJ Wetherholt2B	5	1	1	1	1	1	0	.238	.764
Iván HerreraC	3	2	2	1	2	0	0	.269	.836
Alec Burleson1B	4	0	2	1	1	0	0	.295	.832
Jordan WalkerRF	5	1	1	3	0	1	1	.293	.931
Nolan GormanDH	4	0	0	0	1	1	0	.222	.668
Masyn WinnSS	4	2	1	0	1	2	0	.245	.667
Bryan TorresLF	4	1	2	2	1	0	1	.500	1.850
César Prieto3B	5	0	0	0	0	1	0	.000	.000
Victor Scott IICF	4	1	3	0	1	1	0	.203	.537
Totals	38	8	12	8	8	7	2

BATTING

3B: Herrera (1, Franco, J).

HR: Walker, J (14, 7th inning off Phillips, 1 on, 1 out); Torres, B (1, 9th inning off Franco, J, 1 on, 1 out).

TB: Burleson 2; Herrera 4; Scott II 3; Torres, B 5; Walker, J 4; Wetherholt; Winn.

RBI: Burleson (35); Herrera (25); Torres, B 2 (2); Walker, J 3 (38); Wetherholt (25).

2-out RBI: Herrera.

Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Walker, J; Wetherholt.

GIDP: Herrera.

Team RISP: 4-for-10.

Team LOB: 11.

BASERUNNING

SB: Scott II (7, 2nd base off Moll/Stephenson, T); Herrera (2, 2nd base off Phillips/Stephenson, T).

FIELDING

DP: (Wetherholt-Winn-Burleson).

Cincinnati Reds — Batting

Player	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	K	HR	AVG	OPS
JJ BledayLF	3	0	0	0	1	0	0	.288	1.009
Elly De La CruzSS	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	.284	.865
Sal StewartDH	4	0	0	0	0	3	0	.259	.839
Nathaniel Lowe1B	4	1	1	1	0	1	1	.259	.856
Eugenio Suárez3B	2	0	0	0	1	0	0	.226	.656
Spencer Steer2B	2	0	0	0	1	0	0	.270	.783
Blake DunnRF	3	0	1	0	0	1	0	.355	.993
Tyler StephensonC	3	0	0	0	0	1	0	.179	.570
TJ FriedlCF	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.177	.515
Totals	28	1	2	1	3	6	1

BATTING

HR: Lowe, N (7, 2nd inning off Pallante, 0 on, 0 out).

TB: Dunn; Lowe, N 4.

RBI: Lowe, N (21).

GIDP: Stephenson, T.

Team RISP: 0-for-1.

Team LOB: 3.

FIELDING

E: Stephenson, T (1, throw).

DP: (Paddack-Stephenson, T-Lowe, N).

a-Grounded out for Myers in the 8th.

St. Louis Cardinals — Pitching

Pitcher	IP	H	R	ER	BB	K	HR	PC-ST	ERA
Andre Pallante(W, 5-4)	6.0	2	1	1	1	3	1	93-60	3.76
Ryne Stanek	1.0	0	0	0	1	1	0	19-13	6.00
George Soriano	1.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	8-6	3.32
Matt Svanson	1.0	0	0	0	1	2	0	14-8	8.77

Cincinnati Reds — Pitching

Pitcher	IP	H	R	ER	BB	K	HR	PC-ST	ERA
Chris Paddack(L, 0-6)	5.0	7	3	3	3	5	0	84-52	6.86
Sam Moll	1.0	1	0	0	0	0	0	10-5	2.86
Connor Phillips	1.0	1	2	2	2	1	1	28-15	5.53
Jose Franco	2.0	3	3	3	3	1	1	54-29	5.40

Game Info

Umpires: Home Plate: Ben May; First Base: Jacob Metz; Second Base: Chris Conroy; Third Base: Brennan Miller

Venue: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati

Weather: 71°F, Cloudy

Wind: 10 mph, R To L

St. Louis Cardinals — News

Rangers Place Chris Martin On IL With Shoulder Impingement

Texas loses bullpen depth mid-stretch while sitting 28-31 with a +7 run differential. The recall of Curvelo (no 2026 stats) and debut of Ahlstrom provide options, but neither has established MLB track record against a Cardinals lineup facing deGrom tonight.

Chris Martin

St. Louis Cardinals

Texas Rangers

Cardinals Designate Matt Pushard, Recall Hunter Dobbins

Pushard appeared in zero games for STL before the move, making this a straightforward 40-man roster decision. Dobbins enters a rotation where Liberatore (4.76 ERA, 1.57 WHIP) and Leahy (4.25 ERA, 1.55 WHIP) are both above 4.25 ERA.

Matt Pushard

Hunter Dobbins

St. Louis Cardinals

Jimmy Crooks set for steady playing time at catcher

Crooks has no 2026 stats available to assess offensive production, making this a depth move for STL rather than an upgrade—the Cardinals are -10 in run differential while sitting 3rd in NLC with a L4 streak.

Jimmy Crooks

St. Louis Cardinals

Uribe Suspended One Game; Appeal Pending

Uribe (4.19 ERA) exits a Cardinals rotation already struggling—Pallante (3.76 ERA) is the only reliable starter among the four active starters, and STL sits 3rd in NL Central at 29-25 with a -10 run differential heading into tonight's matchup against Chicago.

Abner Uribe

St. Louis Cardinals

Cardinals Select Nelson Velázquez, Recall Jimmy Crooks

Velázquez fills the 40-man roster spot vacated by Jared Shuster's DFA, adding depth to an outfield for a Cardinals team sitting 29-25 but 3-7 in their last 10 games. Neither player has 2026 stats available to evaluate immediate impact.

Jared Shuster

Jimmy Crooks

Nelson Velázquez

St. Louis Cardinals

Cincinnati Reds — News

Reds Release Josh Staumont

Staumont's departure is a routine depth move for Cincinnati, which sits 31-29 with a -38 run differential and has already cycled multiple relievers this season.

Cincinnati Reds

Yunior Marté Elects Free Agency After Reds DFA

Marté's departure removes minor depth from Cincinnati's bullpen as the Reds navigate a 5-4 record over their last 10 games with a rotation already leaning on Abbott (4.02 ERA) while Singer (6.18 ERA) and Paddack (6.90 ERA) continue to struggle.

Cincinnati Reds

Reds Option Friedl, Recall Marté

Friedl exits after hitting .181/.252/.258 with a .252 xwOBA across 46 games, clearing space for Marté in Cincinnati's outfield as the Reds sit 31-29 with a -38 run differential.

TJ Friedl

Cincinnati Reds

Reds Designate Leibrandt, Richardson; Recall McCambley, Mey

Cincinnati (30-29, -39 run diff) clears rotation depth as Singer (6.18 ERA) and Paddack (6.90 ERA) continue to struggle; McCambley and Mey arrive with no 2026 track record, suggesting organizational desperation in a rotation averaging 5.70 ERA across five starters.

Lyon Richardson

Cincinnati Reds

Reds place De La Cruz on IL with hamstring strain; Arroyo debuts at SS

Cincinnati loses its primary offensive engine (.362 xwOBA, 12 HR in 58 G) mid-stretch while the Reds sit 30-28 with a -32 run differential. Arroyo's debut fills the position but lacks 2026 MLB data, and the rotation remains thin with Singer (6.18 ERA) and Paddack (6.90 ERA) as backup arms.

Elly De La Cruz