The Cincinnati Reds scored seven runs today and the St. Louis Cardinals allowed seven runs as the the primary colors closed another game on the birds. The distance between the two teams was cut to 1 1/2 games as the Reds blow a 5-1 lead but win the game in extra innings. Light hitting Juan Castro, playing short on a double switch knocks out a double in the eleventh to plate the eventual winning run. Milton gave up a homer to Ryan Howard, his 41st of the season. The Phillies are now 22-14 when Howard homers.
The Cardinals were never really in the game against the Pirates. Although St. Louis out-hit and out-walked Pittsburgh, the Pirates out slugged them, collecting two double and two homers to win 7-0. The Redbirds managed just three runs in the three game series against the lowly Pirates.
It’s tough to make a call in this race. The Cardinals offense looks weak at the moment. the Reds have plenty of offense, but their pitching staff can make a high scoring game close. The teams open a three game series in St. Louis tomorrow to help decide the question.