St. Louis Cardinals Aim for Fourth Straight Win vs. Reds: Can St. Louis Keep Momentum?

By Oliver Wiener June 21, 2025 19:30

The St. Louis Cardinals are riding a wave of momentum as they prepare to face the Cincinnati Reds on June 21, 2025, at Busch Stadium. After a commanding 6-1 victory over the Reds on June 20, the Cardinals are looking to extend their winning streak to four games in this crucial National League Central division matchup. With the division race tightening, St. Louis aims to capitalize on home-field advantage and maintain their climb in the standings.

Friday night’s win was anchored by Andre Pallante’s masterful pitching performance. The right-hander threw six shutout innings, allowing just two hits and one walk while striking out multiple batters. Pallante (5-3) left the game with a 1-0 lead, which the Cardinals’ offense expanded in a decisive five-run eighth inning. “Andre was outstanding,” manager Oliver Marmol said postgame. “He kept us in the game early and gave us a chance to win. That kind of performance sets the tone for the whole team.”

The Cardinals’ offense came alive against Reds relievers Scott Barlow, Taylor Rogers, and Tony Santillan, who collectively struggled to contain St. Louis’s bats. Masyn Winn drove in the first run with a clutch single off Rogers, while Lars Nootbaar capped the rally with a two-out single after a throwing error by Reds infielder Gavin Lux allowed two runs to score. Brendan Donovan also contributed, reaching on a fielder’s choice and scoring on a sacrifice fly by Alec Burleson to give the Cardinals an early lead.

Brady Singer, the Reds’ starter, pitched admirably, allowing only one run on four hits and a walk over six innings, striking out seven and retiring his final nine batters. However, the bullpen faltered, unable to hold the Cardinals’ late surge. Cincinnati’s lone run came in the eighth inning when Santiago Espinal scored on a throwing error by Jordan Walker.

The Cardinals’ recent form has been encouraging. They entered the series with a 41-35 overall record and a strong 23-14 mark at home. Their pitching staff boasts a collective 3.94 ERA, ranking 10th in the National League, while the offense has shown the ability to produce timely runs. “We’re clicking on all cylinders right now,” said Masyn Winn. “It’s about staying focused and continuing to execute.”

Cincinnati, meanwhile, holds a 39-37 record and has struggled historically at Busch Stadium, with a 59-101 record there since 2006. The Reds have a respectable 3.91 team ERA but have been inconsistent on the road (19-20). Saturday’s probable pitching matchup features Reds left-hander Wade Miley (1-0, 6.75 ERA) against Cardinals right-hander Sonny Gray (7-2, 3.84 ERA), setting the stage for a critical duel.

The NL Central remains tightly contested, with the Cardinals, Reds, and Milwaukee Brewers all within striking distance. This series is pivotal for St. Louis to gain ground and build confidence. As manager Marmol emphasized, “Every game counts. We want to keep this momentum going and make a push.”

The Cardinals’ blend of solid pitching, opportunistic hitting, and home-field advantage positions them well to extend their winning streak against the Reds. With key contributors like Pallante and Winn stepping up, St. Louis looks poised to maintain their momentum and strengthen their hold in a competitive division race. Fans will be watching closely as the Cardinals aim to keep their playoff aspirations alive with another strong showing at Busch Stadium.