Cardinals Overcome Early Deficit to Defeat Reds 10-3

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals secured a convincing 10-3 victory against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night, fueled by strong performances from Alec Burleson and Lars Nootbaar. Burleson showcased his power with a home run and scored four times, while Nootbaar, making his season debut after undergoing surgery on both heels last October, contributed two hits and an RBI.

Nootbaar, starting the game in the leadoff position, made an immediate impact with a single in his first at-bat. His critical RBI double helped to ignite a six-run rally during the sixth inning. Following a challenging first inning where the Reds initially took a 3-0 lead, the Cardinals responded with ten unanswered runs, showcasing their offensive depth with eight players driving in runs.

Hunter Dobbins (1-0) was instrumental in the victory, providing five solid innings of relief after starter Kyle Leahy. Brady Singer (2-6) struggled on the mound for Cincinnati, lasting just 4 1/3 innings and ultimately taking the loss.

Jordan Walker also shined for the Cardinals, collecting three hits and driving in a run with a double in the fifth inning, narrowing the gap to 4-3. Burleson kicked off the scoring in the third inning with a powerful home run that landed in the right-field bullpen.

Early in the game, St. Louis benefitted from a controversial play when Reds first baseman Sol Stewart failed to touch the base on a throw, allowing Iván Herrera to score. The Reds' manager, Terry Francona, was ejected after disputing the call with umpire Chris Conroy.

In an impressive showing, rookie Sol Stewart led the Reds with a two-run double in the first inning, extending his lead among National League rookies in both RBIs (39) and doubles (13). The series continues on Saturday, with Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo (2-1, 5.20) set to face Cardinals left-hander Matthew Liberatore (3-3, 4.35).