The Reds lost 6-5 to the Cardinals on June 22, 2025, after a bullpen collapse erased a strong Andrew Abbott start. Nolan Arenado's homer forced extras.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
You could feel this one coming, couldn't you? Another tight game, another late lead, and another soul-crushing loss. The Cincinnati Reds dropped their fourth consecutive game on Sunday, falling 6-5 to the rival St. Louis Cardinals in an 11-inning marathon that had all the highs and lows of a full season packed into one afternoon. Despite flashes of brilliance, the familiar script of a bullpen collapse ultimately doomed the Reds, sending them back to a .500 record and leaving fans to wonder where this team goes from here.
Lefty Andrew Abbott lowered his ERA to a sparkling 1.84, cementing his status as one of the league's top arms despite a frustrating no-decision.
This was a game the Reds should have won. After falling behind early, they clawed their way back, mounting a thrilling three-run rally in the seventh inning to seize a 4-2 lead. The big blow came from the electric Elly De La Cruz, but Gavin Lux also played a key role with two crucial RBI groundouts. It felt like the momentum had finally swung Cincy's way. But the bullpen couldn't slam the door. St. Louis chipped away, and Nolan Arenado delivered the dagger in the ninth with a game-tying solo shot. The game spiraled into extras, where Yohel Pozo played hero for the Cardinals, lacing a walk-off single in the 11th to seal the Reds' fate and complete the sweep.
While the final score stings, it's impossible to ignore the continued excellence from two of the team's cornerstones. Elly De La Cruz was a force yet again, launching his team-leading 17th home run of the season. With 52 RBIs, he remains the engine of this offense and a must-watch talent every single night. On the mound, Andrew Abbott was simply masterful. Over five innings, he allowed just two runs while striking out six, lowering his season ERA to a ridiculous 1.84. It's a cruel twist of fate that one of the best pitchers in the National League had to settle for a no-decision, a testament to the team's recent struggles to support its starters.
This four-game skid couldn't have come at a worse time. Dropping to 39-39, the Reds are treading water in the NL Central and clinging to the edge of the playoff bubble. The team is now at a critical inflection point with the trade deadline looming. Are they buyers, looking for a bullpen arm or another bat to make a serious push? Or are they sellers, looking to capitalize on their assets? The farm system offers intriguing possibilities, with top pitching prospects like Chase Burns and Chase Petty knocking on the door of the big leagues. Their development, along with the front office's strategy in the coming weeks, will define the second half of this season.
One thing is certain: the Reds can't afford to let this slide continue. They need to stop the bleeding, find a way to win these tight games, and give stars like Abbott and De La Cruz the support they deserve. The upcoming series is now more than just another set of games; it's a chance to prove whether this team is a contender or a pretender. The front office is watching, the fans are watching, and the clock is ticking.
