Cincinnati RedsOpen full analysisVSSt. Louis CardinalsOpen full analysis

The Cincinnati Reds defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 4–2 on July 24 at Busch Stadium in a matchup that fell short of the Vegas total of 8.5 runs. Cincinnati's pitching proved dominant, allowing just 2 hits while striking out 9 batters, though the Reds' offense was modest with 11 hits and a .230 batting average. The Cardinals managed only 2 hits with a .240 average and struck out 9 times, unable to capitalize on 3 walks. Cincinnati's one home run and 4 RBIs provided enough cushion to hold off St. Louis, whose pitching staff surrendered 4 earned runs across 4.17 ERA performance. Both teams struck out 11 times, indicating aggressive plate approaches that largely failed, while the Cardinals committed no errors but still couldn't generate sufficient offensive support. The Reds' pitching efficiency—particularly the 2-hit shutout through most of the contest—was the deciding factor in this low-scoring affair that undershot expectations. Cincinnati's pitching-first approach could prove valuable as the rotation continues its second-half stretch.