Yohel Pozo's walk-off single sealed a 6-5 comeback win for the Cardinals over the Reds on June 21, 2025. Nolan Arenado's 9th-inning HR forced extras.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when it looked like the Cincinnati Reds had the game locked up, the St. Louis Cardinals ripped the script to shreds. Down to their final three outs, the Birds on the Bat mounted a furious comeback, culminating in an 11th-inning, two-out, walk-off single from Yohel Pozo that sent Busch Stadium into a state of delirium and sealed a wild 6-5 victory.
With two outs in the 11th, Yohel Pozo lined a single to left, scoring Jordan Walker and capping a dramatic comeback from a 5-2 deficit.
The Cardinals entered the bottom of the eighth inning trailing 5-2, and the energy at Busch felt flat. But that's when the magic started. Masyn Winn and Alec Burleson delivered back-to-back RBI singles, cutting the deficit to one. The stage was then set for Nolan Arenado in the bottom of the ninth. With the crowd on its feet, the veteran third baseman launched a solo home run into the left-field seats, tying the game at 5-5 and breathing new life into the team and the stadium.
While Arenado and Pozo had the late-game heroics, Alec Burleson was the offensive engine all night. He got the scoring started with a two-run homer in the very first inning, and his crucial RBI single in the eighth was a key part of the rally. Finishing 2-for-5 with three RBI, Burleson continues his torrid month of June, where he has now hit safely in 14 of 16 games. His season slash line of .323/.354/.460 proves he's become one of the most reliable bats in the lineup.
Before the late-inning fireworks, ace Sonny Gray delivered another quality performance. Over five innings, Gray allowed just one run while striking out five Reds batters. He effectively navigated the Cincinnati lineup, keeping the Cardinals within striking distance and handing a manageable game over to the bullpen. In a game decided by the thinnest of margins, Gray's steady presence on the mound was foundational to the eventual victory.
A thrilling win like this often highlights the importance of organizational depth, a key focus for the Cardinals. The farm system is buzzing with talent poised to make an impact soon. Thirteen of the club's Top 30 prospects, including pitchers Quinn Mathews, Tink Hence, and Cooper Hjerpe, and hitters like Thomas Saggese, have 2025 ETAs. Furthermore, Michael McGreevy, who already has big-league experience, is dominating at Memphis with a 1.96 ERA. This wave of talent, particularly on the pitching side, provides insurance and a potential boost for the stretch run.
This victory wasn't just another tick in the win column; it was a statement. It showcased the team's grit, the blend of veteran leadership and clutch role players, and a refusal to quit. As the Cardinals look to take the series against a division rival, they carry the momentum of one of the most thrilling wins of the year, a reminder that on any given night, anyone can be the hero. With reinforcements brewing in the minors, the second half of the season is shaping up to be an exciting ride.
