Full Breakdown
Cardinals Blast Reds 10-3 as Nootbaar Returns and Singer Struggles
6/6/2026, 1:22:47 PM
Game Summary
On June 6, 2026, the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Cincinnati Reds 10-3 at Busch Stadium. Lars Nootbaar led off with a single and later delivered an RBI double that ignited a six-run sixth inning. Alec Burleson homered, Jordan Walker added a double, and Hunter Dobbins closed the game with five scoreless relief innings.
Background: Nootbaar’s Return & Reds’ Pitching Woes
Nootbaar returned after offseason surgery on both heels and a 12-game Triple-A rehab in which he hit three home runs and posted a .409 on-base percentage. By contrast, Reds starter Brady Singer entered the game amid a season-long slump: a 5.89 ERA, reduced sinker velocity (averaging 91.5 mph), and the league-worst HR/9 rate over his last four starts.
Key Performers
- Lars Nootbaar (Cardinals, OF) – 2-for-4, RBI double.
- Alec Burleson (Cardinals, OF) – 1-run HR, four runs scored.
- Jordan Walker (Cardinals, OF) – three hits, RBI double.
- Hunter Dobbins (Cardinals, RP) – five innings, zero runs, six strikeouts, two walks.
- Brady Singer (Reds, SP) – 4 1/3 innings, four runs (one earned), three walks, six strikeouts.
Data & Statistics
The Cardinals recorded 12 hits, five walks and no errors; the Reds managed nine hits and two walks. Nootbaar’s career batting average stands at .242. Burleson’s four-run performance tied his season high. Singer’s sinker velocity rose to 91.5 mph on Friday, still well below his 2025 average of 95 mph.
Official Statements & Responses
Reds manager Terry Francona was ejected in the first inning after disputing a replay review that overturned a force-out at first. The Cardinals’ bullpen, anchored by Dobbins, held the Reds scoreless after the sixth, securing the win and extending St. Louis’ recent streak.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts highlighted Singer’s continued velocity decline and his propensity to surrender home runs—nine in his last four starts. Defensive miscues, including Spencer Steer’s disputed foot placement on a force play, extended the Reds’ inning and contributed to the loss. The Reds’ bullpen also issued multiple walks that loaded the bases.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There are a lot of ups and downs and stuff like that,” — Brady Singer, Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher
- “Not trying to do too much with it. Just get on the mound, be athletic and focus on the little things I can do to get better.” — Brady Singer, Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher
- “It’s getting a little better these last two outings. It’s obviously not the results that I’ve wanted, but I’m feeling more confident with the stuff.” — Brady Singer, Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher
- “We feel like his stuff was ticking up,” — Terry Francona, Cincinnati Reds manager
Why It Matters
The victory gave St. Louis its second straight win and reinforced its offensive depth after Nootbaar’s return. Cincinnati fell to a .500 record, extending a recent losing streak and raising questions about Singer’s role as a rotation anchor.
What’s Next
The series finale on Saturday features Cardinals left-hander Matthew Liberatore versus Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo, with a 1:15 p.m. start televised on Cardinals.tv.
