Full Breakdown
Cardinals Pull Off Wild 10-9 Ninth-Inning Comeback to Clinch Series Over Reds
8/21/2026, 2:20:20 AM
Game Flow and Key Plays
The St. Louis Cardinals entered the ninth inning trailing 5-4 after a dramatic sixth-inning rally by the Cincinnati Reds, highlighted by Matt McLain’s grand slam. In the top of the ninth, pinch-hitter José Fermín singled, and a subsequent sacrifice-bunt attempt by Bryan Torres resulted in a hit-by-pitch call, loading the bases. After a fly-out by Blaze Jordan, pinch-hitter Everson Pereira struck out, leaving the Cardinals with runners on second and third and two outs.
A critical error occurred when Reds reliever Brock Burke dropped a fly ball with two outs, allowing both runners to score and giving St. Louis a 6-5 lead. The momentum continued as Alec Burleson singled home JJ Wetherholt, extending the lead to 7-5. The Reds intentionally walked Herrera, loading the bases, and a bases-loaded walk to Joshua Baez pushed the score to 8-5. José Fermín’s second at-bat produced a two-run single, making it 10-5.
In the bottom of the ninth, Reds reliever Riley O’Brien struggled, walking Matt McLain and then striking out Tyler Stephenson before issuing a walk that loaded the bases. A single by Sal Stewart scored two runs, narrowing the gap to 10-8. O’Brien then walked JJ Bleday, loading the bases again, and a subsequent walk to Tyler Stephenson forced in the tying run, leaving the score at 10-9 with the winning run on second. The Cardinals held on as McLain’s final at-bat resulted in a line-out, sealing the comeback.
Statistical Highlights
- Final score: Cardinals 10, Reds 9.
- Sixth inning: Reds scored five runs, highlighted by McLain’s grand slam.
- Ninth inning: Cardinals scored six runs, capitalizing on a two-out error and three consecutive walks.
- Jordan Walker contributed a three-run homer early, giving St. Louis a 4-0 lead.
- Riley O’Brien issued four walks in the ninth, accounting for five of the Reds’ nine runs.
- Pitching: Michael McGreevy was effective through five innings before a sixth-inning wobble; Ryan Stanek allowed the grand slam; Peter Strzelecki earned the win with two scoreless innings.
Impact on Series and Wild Card Race
The victory gave the Cardinals a 3-2 series win, moving them within 2½ games of the final National League wild-card spot. The Reds fell to seven games out of the wild-card race. The dramatic turnaround underscores the volatility of the late-season stretch and highlights the importance of bullpen reliability for both clubs.
On-the-Ground Perspective
Observers noted the intensity of the ninth inning, describing the error by Myers as “opening the flood gates” that sparked a six-run surge. The crowd reacted with a mix of disbelief and excitement as the lead changed hands multiple times in the final frame.
What’s Next
The Cardinals have yet to announce their starter for the upcoming series, while the Reds will open a weekend series in Arizona with left-hander Nick Lodolo slated to pitch. Both clubs remain focused on securing wild-card positions as the regular season draws toward its conclusion.
