Reds get 3-run homer from De La Cruz and outlast Cardinals 7-6 in 11 innings to split doubleheader

Updated: May 24, 2026, 02:03 pm

CINCINNATI -- — Spencer Steer scored the winning run in the 11th inning with a headfirst slide on Blake Dunn's one-hopper to shortstop, and the Cincinnati Reds outlasted the St. Louis Cardinals 7-6 to split their day-night doubleheader Saturday.

Elly De La Cruz hit a three-run homer and Nathaniel Lowe launched a two-run shot as Cincinnati took a 5-1 lead in the fifth. But the Cardinals scored twice in the ninth and tied it 6-all on a two-out RBI single by Jordan Walker, who started the comeback with a three-run homer in the sixth.

Steer was the automatic runner in the 11th and he advanced from second to third on a sacrifice bunt by P.J. Higgins. After a walk to Dane Myers put runners at the corners, Dunn sent a one-hopper up the middle.

With the infield playing in, strong-armed shortstop Masyn Winn made a lunging stop to his left and a spinning throw to the plate, where catcher Yohel Pozo scooped the ball on a short hop. But he couldn't get his tag back down in time to get Steer, and a replay review upheld the safe call.

Dunn was credited with an RBI on a fielder's choice. He also prevented the go-ahead run from scoring in the top of the inning with a sliding catch in shallow right field.

In the opener, Bryan Torres hit a two-run homer and singled in his major league debut to help the Cardinals win 8-1.

De La Cruz clocked his 12th home run of the year in the nightcap, and Lowe homered in both ends of the twinbill.

Myers added a pinch-hit RBI double in the sixth to put the Reds up 6-4.

Pierce Johnson (2-1) pitched two perfect innings for the win after Tony Santillan squandered a two-run lead in the ninth, his third blown save this season. Pinch-hitter José Fermín homered to bring the Cardinals within one before Walker’s single tied it.

Riley O’Brien (3-2) took the loss despite getting four outs without giving up a hit.

The Reds earned their first win in a game started by someone other than Chase Burns or Andrew Abbott since April 25. They are 2-10 in division play.

Up next

Cardinals LHP Matthew Liberatore (2-2, 4.70 ERA) faces RHP Brady Singer (2-4, 6.26) in the series finale Sunday.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb