This split doubleheader nightcap at Great American Ball Park presents an intriguing matchup between two teams heading in different directions. The Cardinals (28-21) arrive with a superior record but riding a two-game skid, while the Reds (26-24) have found some momentum with back-to-back wins against Philadelphia. Kyle Leahy brings stability to the mound for St. Louis with his 3.94 ERA and recent velocity consistency around 89-90 mph, though his 1.55 WHIP suggests he's been pitching around trouble. His diverse six-pitch mix gives him multiple weapons, but the Cardinals will need him to be efficient given the doubleheader context. Chase Petty represents both opportunity and risk for Cincinnati. The young right-hander's changeup-heavy approach (32% usage) could be particularly effective against a Cardinals lineup featuring several young hitters like Victor Scott II (.185) and JJ Wetherholt (.238). However, Petty's inexperience becomes magnified in a crucial game scenario, and Cincinnati's rotation has been decimated by injuries to Hunter Greene, Brandon Williamson, and others. The Reds' offensive hope lies with Elly De La Cruz's dynamic presence (.290, 11 HR) and JJ Bleday's hot streak at .299, both capable of changing the game's complexion with one swing. The split doubleheader format works in both teams' favor compared to a traditional twin bill, allowing fresher lineups but still taxing bullpens that may have been used earlier. St. Louis holds the edge in road performance (15-8) and overall record, but Cincinnati's recent offensive surge (averaging 6.3 runs over their last three wins) suggests they can generate enough offense to steal this game at home. Weather conditions are neutral with overcast skies and light winds, putting the focus squarely on execution. The Cardinals' superior run differential and road success make them slight favorites, but the Reds' home field advantage and recent form create enough uncertainty to make this a genuine toss-up with significant value on the total.

Scoring Dynamics

Early (1-3) 3R Both starters show early command issues, leadoff scoring

Middle (4-6) 4R Petty's changeup effectiveness vs Cardinals' young hitters

Late (7-9) 2R Bullpen fatigue from split doubleheader affects both teams

Matchup Analysis

Reds

Elly De La Cruz power threat

JJ Bleday hot streak at .299

Home field advantage at GABP

Decimated pitching depth with 4 starters on IL

Negative run differential (-28)

Cardinals

Jordan Walker's power surge (13 HR, 35 RBI)

Better road record (15-8)

Kyle Leahy's recent form improvement

Young lineup lacks experience

Coming off two-game losing streak

Risk Factors

Split doubleheader fatigue

Chase Petty's inexperience in pressure spots

Key Matchups

Jordan Walker vs Chase Petty batter Walker's .295 average vs young pitcher

Elly De La Cruz vs Kyle Leahy batter Speed vs control pitcher creates stolen base opportunities

JJ Bleday vs Kyle Leahy batter Hot hitter facing pitcher with 1.55 WHIP

Statistical Edges

First to Score Cardinals 58%

Strikeouts 14 11-17

Total Runs 9 7-11

Game Preview

Kyle Leahy takes the mound for St. Louis looking to snap their two-game slide, immediately facing the speed and athleticism of Elly De La Cruz leading off for Cincinnati. De La Cruz works a leadoff walk and promptly steals second base, setting an aggressive tone that pays off when Jordan Walker drives him home with an RBI single to give the Cardinals an early 1-0 advantage. The Reds answer quickly in the second inning when JJ Bleday continues his hot streak with a solo home run to left field, knotting the game at 1-1 and energizing the Great American Ball Park crowd. Chase Petty settles into a rhythm through the third inning, but the Cardinals break through in the fourth when Matt McLain commits a throwing error that opens the door for a two-run rally. However, Cincinnati responds immediately with their own two-run frame in the fifth, sparked by De La Cruz's speed on the basepaths and capped by Nathaniel Lowe's clutch two-out RBI single. The game remains tight into the middle innings as both starters give way to increasingly taxed bullpens dealing with the split doubleheader workload. The decisive moment comes in the sixth inning when the Reds manufacture a run through small ball, using a Bleday double and McLain sacrifice fly to take a 4-3 lead. St. Louis ties it in the seventh on a Walker sacrifice fly, but Cincinnati has the final say in the ninth inning. With runners on first and third and one out, De La Cruz delivers a walk-off sacrifice fly to complete a thrilling 5-4 victory that showcases both teams' young talent and sets up an exciting series conclusion.

Moderate confidence due to the relative inexperience of both starters and the unpredictable nature of split doubleheader games. While Cincinnati gets the slight home field edge, both teams have shown recent volatility that makes this genuinely competitive.

Pitcher yang Dijangka

St. Louis Cardinals — Roster

Pemain	Pos.	AVG	HR	RBI	OBP	SLG
JJ Wetherholt	2B	.237	9	25	.356	.402
Iván Herrera	DH	.267	6	25	.393	.435
Alec Burleson	1B	.294	7	35	.365	.469
Jordan Walker	RF	.302	15	42	.372	.594
Thomas Saggese	3B	.159	0	2	.216	.188
Masyn Winn	SS	.240	1	18	.321	.329
Bryan Torres	LF	.375	1	2	.500	.750
Yohel Pozo	C	.241	0	5	.241	.276
Victor Scott II	CF	.197	2	7	.259	.268

Cincinnati Reds — Roster

Pemain	Pos.	AVG	HR	RBI	OBP	SLG
Blake Dunn	RF	.351	1	2	.400	.541
Elly De La Cruz	SS	.288	12	35	.355	.529
JJ Bleday	DH	.271	6	20	.376	.576
Sal Stewart	1B	.256	12	34	.352	.487
Eugenio Suárez	3B	.223	3	11	.298	.351
Matt McLain	2B	.202	5	20	.301	.333
Spencer Steer	LF	.271	7	18	.340	.446
P.J. Higgins	C	.294	0	3	.316	.294
Dane Myers	CF	.243	3	12	.352	.405

Permainan jaringan

▲ 2

Masyn Winn out on a sacrifice fly to left fielder TJ Friedl. Jordan Walker scores.

1-0

▼ 5

Elly De La Cruz homers (12) on a fly ball to left center field. P.J. Higgins scores. Blake Dunn scores.

1-3

▼ 5

Nathaniel Lowe homers (8) on a fly ball to center field. Sal Stewart scores.

1-5

▲ 6

Jordan Walker homers (15) on a fly ball to center field. Iván Herrera scores. Alec Burleson scores.

4-5

▼ 6

Dane Myers doubles (3) on a sharp line drive to left fielder Bryan Torres. Spencer Steer scores.

4-6

▲ 9

José Fermín homers (2) on a fly ball to left center field.

5-6

▲ 9

Jordan Walker singles on a ground ball to left fielder Spencer Steer. Victor Scott II scores. Alec Burleson to 2nd.

6-6

▼ 11

Umpire reviewed (tag play), call on the field was upheld: Blake Dunn reaches on a fielder's choice, fielded by shortstop Masyn Winn. Spencer Steer scores. Dane Myers to 2nd.

6-7

St. Louis Cardinals — Pukulan

Pemain	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	K	HR	AVG	OPS
JJ Wetherholt2B	5	0	1	0	1	1	0	.237	.758
Iván HerreraDH	5	1	1	0	0	1	0	.267	.828
Alec Burleson1B	4	1	1	0	1	0	0	.294	.834
Jordan WalkerRF	4	2	3	4	1	1	1	.302	.966
Thomas Saggese3B	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.159	.404
Masyn WinnSS	4	0	0	1	0	0	0	.240	.650
Bryan TorresLF	4	0	1	0	1	1	0	.375	1.250
Yohel PozoC	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.241	.517
Victor Scott IICF	4	1	0	0	1	1	0	.197	.527
Jumlah	40	6	9	6	5	6	2

BATTING

2B: Walker, J (11, Petty); Burleson (13, Petty).

HR: Walker, J (15, 6th inning off Petty, 2 on, 0 out); Fermín (2, 9th inning off Santillan, 0 on, 0 out).

TB: Burleson 2; Fermín 4; Gorman; Herrera; Torres, B; Walker, J 7; Wetherholt.

RBI: Fermín (8); Walker, J 4 (42); Winn (18).

2-out RBI: Walker, J.

Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Walker, J; Gorman; Scott II; Herrera; Torres, B.

SF: Winn.

GIDP: Herrera.

Team RISP: 2-for-15.

Team LOB: 10.

a-Homered for Pagés, P in the 9th.

1-Ran for Gorman in the 10th.

Cincinnati Reds — Pukulan

Pemain	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	K	HR	AVG	OPS
Blake DunnRF	6	1	2	1	0	2	0	.351	.941
Elly De La CruzSS	4	1	2	3	1	2	1	.288	.884
JJ BledayDH	5	0	0	0	0	3	0	.271	.952
Sal Stewart1B	2	1	0	0	3	1	0	.256	.839
Eugenio Suárez3B	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	.223	.649
Matt McLain2B	5	0	0	0	0	2	0	.202	.634
Spencer SteerLF	3	2	1	0	0	1	0	.271	.786
P.J. HigginsC	3	1	1	0	0	2	0	.294	.610
Dane MyersCF	2	0	1	1	1	0	0	.243	.757
Jumlah	38	7	10	7	5	16	2

BATTING

2B: Steer (10, Bruihl); Myers (3, Bruihl).

HR: De La Cruz, E (12, 5th inning off Leahy, 2 on, 1 out); Lowe, N (8, 5th inning off Leahy, 1 on, 2 out).

TB: Benson; De La Cruz, E 5; Dunn 2; Higgins, P; Lowe, N 5; Myers 2; Steer 2.

RBI: De La Cruz, E 3 (35); Dunn (2); Lowe, N 2 (23); Myers (12).

2-out RBI: Lowe, N 2.

Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Steer 2; Benson 2; Bleday.

SAC: Friedl; Higgins, P 2.

Team RISP: 3-for-11.

Team LOB: 10.

BASERUNNING

CS: De La Cruz, E (5, 2nd base by Romero, J/Pozo).

FIELDING

DP: (De La Cruz, E-McLain, M-Lowe, N).

a-Doubled for Benson in the 6th.

b-Doubled for Friedl in the 6th.

c-Struck out for Lowe, N in the 10th.

St. Louis Cardinals — Lontaran

Pelempar	IP	H	R	ER	BB	K	HR	PC-ST	ERA
Kyle Leahy	5.0	7	5	5	2	8	2	87-52	4.44
Justin Bruihl	0.1	2	1	1	0	0	0	13-9	5.56
Gordon Graceffo	0.2	0	0	0	1	1	0	17-9	1.65
Ryan Fernandez	2.0	0	0	0	0	4	0	24-17	1.17
JoJo Romero	1.0	1	0	0	1	1	0	12-8	2.92
Riley O'Brien(L, 3-2)	1.1	0	1	0	1	2	0	20-11	2.96

Cincinnati Reds — Lontaran

Pelempar	IP	H	R	ER	BB	K	HR	PC-ST	ERA
Chase Petty	5.0	6	4	4	1	1	1	62-40	5.91
Brock Burke(H, 6)	1.1	0	0	0	2	0	0	26-14	3.38
Graham Ashcraft(H, 10)	1.2	1	0	0	0	3	0	29-17	3.46
Tony Santillan(BS, 3)	1.0	2	2	2	2	1	1	28-19	5.85
Pierce Johnson(W, 2-1)	2.0	0	0	0	0	1	0	23-18	3.38

Info perlawanan

Pengadil: Home Plate: John Tumpane; First Base: Chris Conroy; Second Base: Brennan Miller; Third Base: Jacob Metz

Stadium: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati

Cuaca: 74°F, Partly Cloudy

Angin: 5 mph, Out To LF

St. Louis Cardinals — Berita

Rangers Letak Chris Martin di IL Kerana Impingement Bahu

Texas kehilangan kedalaman bullpen di tengah musim sambil duduk di 28-31 dengan perbezaan run +7. Penarikan balik Curvelo (tiada statistik 2026) dan debut Ahlstrom memberikan pilihan, tetapi tidak seorang pun telah menetapkan rekam jejak MLB yang terbukti terhadap formasi Cardinals yang menghadapi deGrom malam ini.

Chris Martin

St. Louis Cardinals

Texas Rangers

Kardinal Lantik Matt Pushard, Panggil Semula Hunter Dobbins

Pushard muncul dalam sifar permainan untuk STL sebelum langkah ini, menjadikan ini keputusan roster 40 orang yang mudah. Dobbins memasuki putaran di mana Liberatore (4.76 ERA, 1.57 WHIP) dan Leahy (4.25 ERA, 1.55 WHIP) kedua-duanya di atas 4.25 ERA.

Matt Pushard

Hunter Dobbins

St. Louis Cardinals

Jimmy Crooks bersedia untuk masa bermain yang stabil sebagai penjaga

Crooks tidak mempunyai statistik tersedia untuk 2026 untuk menilai pengeluaran ofensif, menjadikan ini langkah kedalaman untuk STL daripada peningkatan—Cardinal berada di -10 dalam pembezaan larian sambil duduk di tempat ke-3 di NLC dengan rentetan 4 kekalahan.

Jimmy Crooks

St. Louis Cardinals

Uribe Digantung Satu Permainan; Rayuan Tertangguh

Uribe (ERA 4.19) keluar daripada putaran Cardinals yang sudah bergelut—Pallante (ERA 3.76) adalah satu-satunya pemain permulaan yang boleh dipercayai di antara empat pemain permulaan aktif, dan STL duduk di tempat ke-3 di NL Central dengan rekod 29-25 dan perbezaan lari -10 sebelum perlawanan malam ini menentang Chicago.

Abner Uribe

St. Louis Cardinals

Cardinal Memilih Nelson Velázquez, Mengingat Kembali Jimmy Crooks

Velázquez mengisi kekosongan senarai 40 orang yang ditinggalkan oleh DFA Jared Shuster, menambah kedalaman ke medan luar untuk pasukan Cardinal yang mempunyai rekod 29-25 tetapi 3-7 dalam 10 permainan terakhir mereka. Kedua-dua pemain tidak mempunyai statistik 2026 yang tersedia untuk menilai kesan segera.

Jared Shuster

Jimmy Crooks

Nelson Velázquez

St. Louis Cardinals

Cincinnati Reds — Berita

Reds Bebaskan Josh Staumont

Kepergian Staumont adalah langkah kedalaman rutin bagi Cincinnati, yang duduk pada 31-29 dengan perbezaan larian -38 dan telah memutar beberapa pemain bantuan musim ini.

Cincinnati Reds

Yunior Marté Memilih Agensi Bebas Selepas DFA Reds

Kepergian Marté menghilangkan kedalaman kecil dari bullpen Cincinnati sementara Reds menavigasi rekod 5-4 dalam 10 permainan terakhir mereka dengan putaran yang sudah bergantung pada Abbott (ERA 4.02) sementara Singer (ERA 6.18) dan Paddack (ERA 6.90) terus bergelut.

Cincinnati Reds

Reds memilih Friedl, memanggil semula Marté

Friedl keluar selepas menepis .181/.252/.258 dengan xwOBA .252 dalam 46 permainan, membuka ruang untuk Marté di padang luar Cincinnati sementara Reds berada di 31-29 dengan perbezaan larian -38.

TJ Friedl

Cincinnati Reds

Reds melantik Leibrandt, Richardson; memanggil kembali McCambley, Mey

Cincinnati (30-29, perbezaan -39 run) mengurangkan kedalaman putaran manakala Singer (ERA 6.18) dan Paddack (ERA 6.90) terus berjuang; McCambley dan Mey tiba tanpa rekod 2026, menunjukkan keputusasaan organisasi dalam putaran dengan purata ERA 5.70 merentasi lima pemula.

Lyon Richardson

Cincinnati Reds

Reds meletakkan De La Cruz di IL dengan ketegangan hamstring; Arroyo buat debut di SS

Cincinnati kehilangan enjin ofensif utamanya (.362 xwOBA, 12 HR dalam 58 G) di pertengahan musim sementara Reds duduk di 30-28 dengan perbezaan larian -32. Debut Arroyo mengisi kedudukan tetapi kekurangan data MLB 2026, dan putaran tetap nipis dengan Singer (ERA 6.18) dan Paddack (ERA 6.90) sebagai tangan penggantian.

Elly De La Cruz