The Reds maintain their chances of making the playoffs by hitting six home runs and dominating the Cardinals with a 19-2 victory.

The Cincinnati team hit a total of six home runs, with Nick Martini’s three-run shot in the first inning being particularly notable. This impressive performance led to a dominant 19-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday night. This win is crucial for the Reds as it helps them stay competitive in the National League wild-card race.

The Reds had a high-scoring game, with Jonathan India, Spencer Steer, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Noelvi Marte, and Tyler Stephenson all hitting home runs. This was their highest scoring game since they scored 20 runs against the Chicago Cubs on May 26, 2022.

Cincinnati is now in a tie with the Cubs, trailing Miami by 1 1/2 games for the final NL wild card spot, following their victory and Chicago’s loss to Milwaukee. The Cardinals, with a record of 69-91, have incurred their highest number of losses since their 70-92 season in 1990.

“We are aware that we must win all our remaining games,” India stated. “Ultimately, our objective is to emerge victorious in every match. Although I am pleased with our significant win tonight, we must replicate the same performance tomorrow.”

Adam Wainwright, a right-handed pitcher for the Cardinals, has decided to retire after playing 18 seasons with the team. On Tuesday, he made his last start after achieving his 200th win and stated that he would not pitch again. However, in the sixth inning, Wainwright made a pinch-hit appearance and was retired after hitting a ground ball to second base.

“I cannot reword”

PHOTOS: Reds hit six home runs, keep playoff hopes alive with 19-2 rout of Cardinals

Brandon Williamson, with a record of 5-5, gave up two runs on five hits during a six-inning performance, securing his first victory since August 7th. Carson Spiers, on the other hand, pitched the remaining three innings and earned his inaugural career save.

Jake Woodford, with a record of 2 wins and 3 losses, gave up a total of seven runs on six hits in a span of 1 and 2/3 innings.

St. Louis’ only runs were scored by Richie Palacios with a two-run homer in the third inning.

Marte and Encarnacion-Strand hit home runs against Casey Lawrence in the fourth inning, while Stephenson hit his against Andrew Suárez in the same inning. This brought Cincinnati close to tying their franchise’s single-game record of seven home runs, last achieved in 2021.

Stephenson expressed that the energy from the hitting side seemed to be infectious. He was pleased that it continued without pause and hopes to maintain this momentum in the next two games.

Will Benson drove in Elly De La Cruz with a triple down the right field line and scored on India’s home run in the second inning to increase the Reds’ lead to 6-0, before Steer chased Woodford with his team-leading 23rd home run.

In the first inning, Martini successfully hit a home run towards the bullpen located in the right-center field, giving Cincinnati a 3-0 lead.

“I believe it was significant,” Martini expressed. “Particularly considering the current importance of these games. I think it was beneficial to begin in such a manner.”

OFFENSIVE CAMEO

Wainwright stepped up to bat while the Reds were leading by a margin of 12 runs. This was his first time at the plate since October 6, 2021. On Tuesday, Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol stated that Wainwright, who achieved his 200th career win on September 18, would not pitch for the rest of the season but would stay on the active roster to be able to bat. Throughout his career, Wainwright has had 743 plate appearances and holds a batting average of .192, with 10 home runs. In 2017, he was honored with a Silver Slugger award.

EARLY EXIT

After the top of the eighth inning, Benson was thrown out by home plate umpire Phil Cuzzi for disputing the calls on balls and strikes. This happened right after he was called out on strikes to conclude the inning.

MOVING ON UP

Before the game on Friday, the Reds elevated Nick Krall from vice president and general manager to president of baseball operations. They also promoted Brad Meador from vice president and assistant general manager to senior vice president and general manager.

TRAINER’S ROOM

The Reds have added RHP Daniel Duarte to the 15-day injured list due to tightness in his right shoulder. In his place, Spiers has been called up from Triple-A Louisville.

UP NEXT

On Saturday night, the Reds’ right-handed pitcher Connor Phillips, who has a record of 1 win and 0 losses with an ERA of 5.66, will be going up against the Cardinals’ left-handed pitcher Drew Rom, who has a record of 1 win and 4 losses with an ERA of 7.98. This matchup will feature two rookie pitchers.