In the sweltering heat of St. Louis, the Cincinnati Reds were unable to maintain their recent momentum, falling 6-1 to the Cardinals in the first game of a critical three-game series. The Cardinals broke open the game in the seventh inning, scoring five runs off a shaky Reds bullpen, which allowed three walks and a hit batter. The Reds had been riding a wave of success, winning nine of their last eleven, but the loss against the Cardinals marked their second consecutive defeat.

Brady Singer, the Reds' starting pitcher, put in a commendable effort with a quality start, striking out several batters and allowing just one run over six innings. He notably stranded multiple runners in scoring position. Andre Pallante, the Cardinals’ starter, managed to keep the Reds' offense at bay, allowing only two hits before being relieved. The Reds will need to regroup quickly as they aim to improve their pitching depth in the absence of Wade Miley.