CINCINNATI — Matt Adams’ second homer sent St. Louis to a 5-4 victory over the Cincinnati Reds in 16 innings on Wednesday night, protecting the Cardinals’ hold on second place in the NL Central.
CINCINNATI — Matt Adams’ second homer sent St. Louis to a 5-4 victory over the Cincinnati Reds in 16 innings on Wednesday night, protecting the Cardinals’ hold on second place in the NL Central.
Adams broke an 0-for-17 slump by connecting in the 14th. After St. Louis let that lead get away, he homered again off Logan Ondrusek (3-1), ending the Reds’ longest game of the season.
The Cardinals had dropped the first two games in the series, letting the Reds get within a game and a half for second place. They finish their season series on Thursday. St. Louis leads it 11-8.
Carlos Martinez (2-1) escaped a threat in the 15th, when Shin-Soo Choo reached third with two outs but was caught in a rundown.
The Cardinals have dropped five of seven overall, costing them precious ground in the division’s three-team race. The Pirates, Cardinals and Reds are all in good shape to make the playoffs — one as a champion, the other two as wild cards.
St. Louis wasted a chance to put it away in the 14th inning.
Adams broke his deep slump by leading off with homer off Alfredo Simon. Speedy Billy Hamilton helped the Reds tie it with another stolen base in the bottom of the inning.
Hamilton ran for Ryan Ludwick after his single off Edward Mujica, who blew a save chance for only the third time in 38 chances. Hamilton stole second — he’s 2 for 2 against catcher Yadier Molina — and scored easily on Zack Cozart’s single.
Leadoff hitter Matt Carpenter had three hits and a walk, scoring twice.
Bronson Arroyo broke with his history of subpar showings against the Cardinals. It was his 38th career start against St. Louis — more than against any other team — and he didn’t have a lot to show for it, going 0-3 against the Cardinals this season and 8-16 in his career.