TJ Friedl hit a two-run single and also scored another run for Cincinnati in the fifth inning, leading the Reds to a 3-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday night.
“TJ came through with a big hit,” Cincinnati manager David Bell said. “You never know if it’s going to be enough.”
Elly De La Cruz of the Reds stole two bases after walking in the first inning, bringing his MLB-leading total to 64 stolen bases. He was caught trying to steal in the third inning when the Cardinals pitched out.
“He’s been showing that all year,” Bell said. “He had great at-bats tonight to create those opportunities on the bases. He can make things happen, but it all starts with the at-bats.”
Rhett Lowder (1-1) picked up his first MLB win in his third appearance. The 22-year-old right-hander, who was a first-round pick in the 2023 draft, pitched five scoreless innings, struck out three, and did not issue any walks.
“I’m glad we got out of here with the win,” Lowder said. “I lean on my ability to get the ball on the ground. I trust these guys in the field. They do a great job.”
Emilio Pagán closed the game in the ninth inning for his first save of the season and the 33rd of his career. He loaded the bases with two singles and a walk but then struck out the next three batters — rookies Jordan Walker and Thomas Saggese, and pinch-hitter Matt Carpenter.
“It was crazy,” Pagán said. “First off all, I had a blast. It was probably the best I’ve ever pitched to get in that scenario. I felt like I was throwing the ball super well. In those spots, you just try and execute. Once I got the first strikeout, I just tried to be as nasty as possible. It was a fun way to finish it.”
The Reds’ five pitchers combined for the team’s sixth shutout of the season.
“We didn’t have a whole lot going on the whole game,” St. Louis manager Oliver Marmol said. “We didn’t string anything together in that whole game. We had a little life there at the end potentially pulling something off, but it just wasn’t enough today.”
“Walker and Saggese are going to take their best shot. There are times they’re going to come through. There are times they’re going to get beat. … You take your shot there with Carpenter.”
