In his previous five starts, each with Pages at catcher, Mikolas compiled a 3-1 record with a 2.87 ERA, 22 strikeouts and four walks in 31 1/3 innings. Opponents slashed .189/.224/.324 during that stretch.

Since May 18, Mikolas’ 0.80 WHIP led MLB.

Mikolas (11-4) passed Michael Wacha and tied Jaime Garcia for the fourth-most career starts in the history of Busch Stadium’s third iteration.

The Reds scored their first run just two batters into the game after a leadoff single by Jonathan India and an RBI triple to center field from speedster Elly De La Cruz. That forced Mikolas to operate with a runner on third for the majority of the inning.

Mikolas got a grounder back to the mound for the first out. After a walk put a second runner, Nick Martini, on base, Mikolas got Noelvi Marte to pop up for the second out. With runners on second and third, after Martini stole second base, Santiago Espinal hit an inning-ending fly ball to right field.

Walks and wasted opportunities

The Cardinals left the bases loaded in the bottom of the first inning against Red starting pitcher Andrew Abbott, a left-hander.

Abbott walked three of the first four batters he faced. When Goldschmidt walked, that loaded the bases with one out. The next batter, Arenado, had hit a home run off of Abbott in the left-hander’s only other start against the Cardinals this season.

This time, Arenado struck out swinging for the second out. Then Donovan grounded into an inning-ending fielder’s choice.

The Reds tacked on a run in the top of the second inning on a two-out RBI double by India to make the score 2-0 after the Cardinals left three men on base.

...continued

©2024 STLtoday.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.