ST. LOUIS − There's talk among Cincinnati Reds players of going on enough of a run between now and Aug. 3 to prevent a trade deadline sell-off, but there's almost no margin for error.
Some pundits already argue it's too late for the 2026 Reds, and reasonable minds on any side of the discussion can agree the Reds are running out of time. Nights like July 25 at Busch Stadium when the bats go missing make the Aug. 3 trade deadline feel even closer than it already is.
Seeking a win to clinch their third consecutive series win coming out of the MLB All-Star break, the Reds dropped a lopsided, 7-0 affair to the St. Louis Cardinals, ending their three-game winning streak.
Reds starting pitcher Hunter Greene was dominant and efficient through five innings.
Only an unearned run crossed for St. Louis against Greene going into the sixth inning, but the Cardinals exploded for a six-spot during that frame and knocked Greene out after 5 1/3 innings.
Greene took the loss but absent a meaningful Reds rally in the game, the final margin was a moot point.
Cardinals starter Andre Pallante (11-6) went seven innings, allowing just two hits and a walk to Reds hitters.
Elly De La Cruz and JJ Bleday had the Reds' only hits of the game entering the ninth inning, and both base-knocks were singles. Things got interesting in the ninth inning when the Reds loaded the bases, but the seven-run lead was safe.
Eugenio Suárez struck out for the first out in the ninth before Tyler Stephenson also struck out attempting to check his swing. Noelvi Marte grounded out to end the contest.
The Reds (48-55) are scheduled to start Andrew Abbott in the Sunday, July 26 series finale as they attempt to take the series.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Hunter Greene, Reds drop chance to take series from Cardinals
