The Reds' offense got going on Saturday afternoon, scoring five runs on nine hits. All five of those runs came in two innings early in the game. However, the Reds couldn't protect a two-run lead, as they have dropped the first two games of the series to the St. Louis Cardinals after falling 6-5 at Busch Stadium.

Nick Lodolo got the start for the Reds as he continues to progress after returning from injury. This was his sixth start since coming off the injured list, and he had to deal with a bases-loaded, no-out situation in the second inning after three straight singles by St. Louis.

Victor Scott blooped a one-out single into right field, scoring first baseman Alec Burleson. Masyn Winn then hit a two-run single through the right side as the Cardinals' right-handed hitters continued attacking the opposite field against the left-handed Lodolo.

After back-to-back walks by Matthew Liberatore to start the third inning, Dane Myers legged out a bunt single to load the bases. With one out, JJ Bleday hit a ball past Burleson at first base, scoring two runs and tying the score at 3-3. Spencer Steer then recorded a sacrifice fly, tying the game at 3.

Blake Dunn singled and stole second in the fourth inning. Two batters later, Matt McLain pulled a down-and-in off-speed pitch over the left-field fence, giving the Reds a 5-3 lead.

After the three-run second inning for the Cardinals, Lodolo posted scoreless frames in the third and fourth before Jordan Walker homered to right-center field. Lodolo came out for the sixth, but a single and a bunt hit prompted Terry Francona to turn to Tejay Antone to escape the jam.

Antone forced Jimmy Crooks into a 3-2-3 double play with the bases loaded and then yielded a chopper to Masyn Winn to end the inning and preserve the Reds' 5-4 lead.

Sam Moll came in and eventually faced Lars Nootbaar with a runner on second. In just his second game back, Nootbaar homered to right field, giving the Cardinals a 6-5 lead. Moll had gone eight straight appearances without allowing a run, but Nootbaar ended that streak in a big spot.

Riley O'Brien came in for a save opportunity in the ninth for the Cardinals. After recording two outs, Will Benson and JJ Bleday singled through the right side, and Spencer Steer walked, giving Sal Stewart a chance.

Stewart worked the count to 3-1 and took a pitch at the top of the zone that was called ball four, which would have tied the game. As he began taking his batting gear off, Cardinals catcher Jimmy Crooks called for an ABS challenge, which determined the ball nicked the zone, making the count 3-2.

On the next pitch, Stewart grounded out to second base, ending the game and giving the Reds their third straight loss. Cincinnati fell below .500 for the first time since Opening Day at 31-32.