Tyler Stephenson’s Clutch Double Lifts Cincinnati Reds Over St. Louis Cardinals 11-6 on September 15, 2025

Monday, September 15th, 2025

Cincinnati Reds Rally Late to Defeat St. Louis Cardinals 11-6

The Cincinnati Reds delivered a thrilling comeback victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, winning 11-6 in a crucial MLB matchup. With this win, the Reds improved to 75-75, snapping a three-game losing streak and moving within two games of the final NL wild card spot currently held by the New York Mets. The Cardinals, meanwhile, dropped to 73-78 and have now lost six of their last seven games, falling farther behind in the playoff race.

Late-Game Offensive Surge Propels Reds

A highlight of the night was Tyler Stephenson's bases-clearing double in the ninth inning, sealing the win for Cincinnati. The Reds erupted for eight runs in the final three innings, overcoming a mid-game deficit and putting the contest out of reach for St. Louis.

Key Performances and Lineup Changes

Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado returned to the lineup after recovering from a strained right shoulder, contributing a single and his first home double since April. However, St. Louis faced adversity when first baseman Willson Contreras exited in the seventh inning due to biceps tightness.

Cincinnati shortstop Elly De La Cruz, struggling with a .163 average in September, was moved down to seventh in the batting order. He responded by reaching base three times, recording a hit and drawing two walks.

Seventh Inning Pivot Points

The Cardinals held a 4-3 lead in the seventh before Matt McLain’s two-run double and a RBI single by TJ Friedl swung the advantage to Cincinnati. St. Louis answered in the bottom half, tying the score 6-6 with RBI singles from Brendan Donovan and Iván Herrera.

Clutch Finishes and Bullpen Performances

Sal Stewart and Stephenson set up the go-ahead run in the eighth, and Will Benson’s sacrifice fly off Kyle Leahy gave the Reds a 7-6 lead. Stewart’s infield RBI single and Stephenson’s double in the ninth put the game out of reach. Connor Phillips secured the win for Cincinnati with two strikeouts in a perfect eighth inning.

Key Moment

Reds starter Zack Littell retired 12 consecutive Cardinals before St. Louis mounted a three-run rally in the sixth inning, which temporarily shifted the game’s momentum.

Key Stat

Tyler Stephenson went 2-for-4 with three RBIs, delivering the decisive blow in the ninth.

Up Next

The Reds and Cardinals continue their series, with Cincinnati sending left-hander Andrew Abbott (9-6, 2.79 ERA) to the mound against St. Louis right-hander Michael McGreevy (6-3, 4.44 ERA) on Tuesday.

In summary

The Cincinnati Reds stormed back with late-inning heroics to beat the St. Louis Cardinals 11-6, closing the gap in the NL wild card race. Tyler Stephenson's critical ninth-inning double and strong contributions throughout the lineup proved to be the difference, while the Cardinals continue to struggle with injuries and missed opportunities. This game showcased the resilience of the Reds as they push for a playoff spot in the close NL chase.

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