{"id":122493,"date":"2025-06-22T09:54:13","date_gmt":"2025-06-22T09:54:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/122493\/"},"modified":"2025-06-22T09:54:13","modified_gmt":"2025-06-22T09:54:13","slug":"before-yohel-pozo-walk-off-cardinals-got-many-contributions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/122493\/","title":{"rendered":"Before Yohel Pozo walk-off, Cardinals got many contributions"},"content":{"rendered":"

When Cardinals reliever Phil Maton fell behind Reds left fielder Will Benson 3-0 with a runner on third base and no outs in the 11th inning on Saturday at Busch Stadium, Maton felt he needed a strikeout to give the defense behind him a chance to make an impact later that inning.<\/p>\n

Working with first baseman Spencer Steer, the Reds\u2019 automatic base runner to begin the 11th, on third base after a wild pitch, Maton saw Benson foul off a cutter, landed his sweeper for a called strike, and got Benson to whiff on a cutter for the inning\u2019s first out. The strikeout was one of three Maton collected in the frame as he worked around a walk to keep the Cardinals in a tie game that would be untied in the next half frame by the catcher who had just entered on defense.<\/p>\n

Brought into the game after starting catcher Pedro Pages was substituted out for a pinch runner in the 10th inning, Yohel Pozo drove in Jordan Walker from second base with a single to right field that sent the Cardinals flooding out of the dugout to celebrate a 6-5 walk-off win vs. Cincinnati that had contributions from multiple players.<\/p>\n

\n People are also reading\u2026\n <\/p>\n

\u201cI think it’s just guys individually doing whatever that their job is,\u201d Maton said. \u201cI can’t say enough good things about Pozo coming into that game and just absolutely fighting for every pitch back there, and just working so hard to frame, to receive, and just doing absolutely everything he could.<\/p>\n

“I think that’s just how our team is. Whatever your role is, they’re going to go out there and just do everything possible to accomplish that. \u2026 I think that’s just ultimately what got us that win today. It was a grindy win.\u201d<\/p>\n

To reach extra innings vs. the Reds after shortstop Elly De La Cruz\u2019s two-run homer in the seventh inning helped Cincinnati jump to a 5-2 lead, the Cardinals (42-35) received timely hitting, key plays on defense, and a “sneaky” relief effort in a game starter Sonny Gray said could easily have been taken as a loss.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I’ve said this numerous times. I feel like it’s one of those moments where we could \u2014 it’s hot \u2014 we could have just laid down and given up,\u201d Gray said. \u201cThat’s not what happened. That’s a huge game to win. You look back and you remember games like that.”<\/p>\n

Closing the deficit<\/p>\n

After their offense cooled off on a sweltering Saturday in St. Louis, the Cardinals bats broke through in the eighth inning with a two-out single from Victor Scott II. At that point, Scott\u2019s single represented the Cardinals\u2019 first hit since Lars Nootbaar singled with one out in the second inning.<\/p>\n

Scott\u2019s hit was followed by a single from Brendan Donovan that advanced him to third and set the stage for Masyn Winn and Alec Burleson, the latter of whom hit a two-run homer in the first inning, to drive in a run apiece to chip the Reds\u2019 lead to one run.<\/p>\n

The two-out rally forced the Reds to summon their closer, Emilio Pagan, from the bullpen to try and convert a four-out save. Pagan struck out Willson Contreras, swinging, to end the eighth inning but ended up with his third blown save of the season two pitches into the ninth inning when Nolan Arenado pulled a homer to left field.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot just for me, obviously it was big for us,” Arenado said. “Against a good pitcher. They’ve got a great bullpen. They’re not easy to face, and we fought back. That was really great by us. I was just happy to come through right there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gray, Donovan prevent runs<\/p>\n

While they held onto a one-run lead, Gray\u2019s positioning to back up Arenado on a throw from the outfield in the third inning and Donovan\u2019s diving grab on ground ball in the fifth inning helped prevent runs on plays that involved De La Cruz.<\/p>\n

In the third inning, a relay throw from Winn to third base in attempt to prevent De La Cruz from tripling could not be picked by Arenado. As the baseball rolled toward the Reds\u2019 dugout, Gray\u2019s positioning put him in close enough range to scurry over, scoop up the baseball and throw out De La Cruz at home plate as he tried to score.<\/p>\n

To help Gray complete five innings, Donovan\u2019s sharp play at second base stopped De La Cruz from collecting an RBI with runners on first and third base and two outs in the fifth.<\/p>\n

On a ball De La Cruz hit away from Donovan\u2019s glove-side, the utility Gold Glover made a full diving extension to prevent the baseball from trickling into right field and made a throw in time ahead of the speedy shortstop for an inning-ending out that preserved a 2-1 lead.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was a great play,\u201d Gray said of Donovan\u2019s effort.<\/p>\n

\u2018Sneaky\u2019 bullpen effort<\/p>\n

Before Ryan Helsley and Maton stranded runners in scoring position in extra inning, efforts by Andre Granillo and John King to limit the Reds to one run across the eighth and ninth innings kept the Cardinals one Arenado swing away from a tied game.<\/p>\n

The lone run allowed in that stretch came against Granillo. The rookie right-hander recorded the final out of the seventh inning and had a run score against him on sacrifice fly from Benson in the eighth.<\/p>\n

Granillo\u2019s lone run allowed in 6 2\/3 innings to begin his big-league career.<\/p>\n

The effort was followed by King\u2019s success in retiring the lone two batters he faced, both of whom were lefties, on three pitches to keep the score at 5-4 heading into the bottom of the ninth.<\/p>\n

\u201cSneaky,\u201d Marmol said of the relief while the Cardinals chased the Reds. \u201cGranillo being able to come in and keep the score somewhat close for us there and King being able to get his two lefties and keep the score, it kind of allowed the rest of the (bullpen) to do what they did today. Overall, it was just a very good team win.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\n \"On
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\n \"Ivan
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\n \"Worthy:
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

St. Louis Cardinals notch series win with a 6-5 victory in the second of three with the Cincinnati Reds<\/p>\n

\"St.<\/p>\n

The Cardinals\u2019 Yohel Pozo is mobbed by teammates after hitting the game-winning RBI to beat the Reds 6-5 in the 11th inning Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Busch Stadium.<\/p>\n

Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"St.<\/p>\n

The Cardinals\u2019 Nolan Arenado celebrates as he returns to the dugout after hitting a home run to tie the game in the ninth inning against the Reds on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Busch Stadium.<\/p>\n

Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"St.<\/p>\n

St. Louis Cardinals batter Nolan Arenado is congratulated by teammates on Saturday, June 21, 2025, after hitting a home run to tie the game in the ninth inning of a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.<\/p>\n

Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"St.<\/p>\n

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Phil Maton is congratulated in the dugout after leaving the game on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.<\/p>\n

Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"St.<\/p>\n

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar returns to the dugout after striking out on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.<\/p>\n

Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"St.<\/p>\n

St. Louis Cardinals runner Victor Scott II reacts after reaching first base safely on a bunt on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in the tenth inning of ia game against the Cincinnati Reds at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.<\/p>\n

Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"St.<\/p>\n

St. Louis Cardinals batter Nolan Arenado is congratulated by teammate Lars Nootbaar on Saturday, June 21, 2025, after hitting a home run to tie the game in the ninth inning of a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.<\/p>\n

Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"St.<\/p>\n

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Steven Matz settles in the dugout after leaving the game in the seventh inning on Saturday, June 21, 2025. Matz came out after giving up a two-run home run to Cincinnati Reds batter Elly De La Cruz and the lead in a game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.<\/p>\n

Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"St.<\/p>\n

Cincinnati Reds runner Elly De La Cruz celebrates at home plate on Saturday, June 21, 2025, as St. Louis Cardinals catcher Pedro recovers after De La Cruz’s two-run home run in the seventh inning of a game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.<\/p>\n

Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"St.<\/p>\n

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Steven Matz leaves the game in the seventh inning on Saturday, June 21, 2025, after giving up a two-run home run to Cincinnati Reds batter Elly De La Cruz and the lead in a game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.<\/p>\n

Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"St.<\/p>\n

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Sonny Gray throws on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in the first inning of a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.<\/p>\n

Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"St.<\/p>\n

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Pedro Pages cools off with a wet towel on Saturday, June 21, 2025, between innings duriing a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.<\/p>\n

Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"St.<\/p>\n

St. Louis Cardinals infielder Thomas Saggese watches play from the dugout on Saturday, June 21, 2025, during a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.<\/p>\n

Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"St.<\/p>\n

Cincinnati Reds runner Elly De La Cruz is tagged out at the plate on Saturday, June 21, 2025, by St. Louis Cardinals catcher Pedro Pages after De La Cruz tried to reach home after a fielding error at third base in the third inning of a game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.<\/p>\n

Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"St.<\/p>\n

St. Louis Cardinals runners Alec Burleson and Masyn Winn round the bases on Saturday, June 21, 2025, off of Burleson’s two-run homer in the first inning of a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.<\/p>\n

Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"St.<\/p>\n

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Sonny Gray strikes out Cincinnati Reds batter Elly De La Cruz on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in the first inning of a game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.<\/p>\n

Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"St.<\/p>\n

St. Louis Cardinals batter Alec Burleson celebrates his two-run homer on Saturday, June 21, 2025, with third base coach Pop Warner in the first inning of a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.<\/p>\n

Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"St.<\/p>\n

The Cardinals\u2019 Yohel Pozo, in this split, single-exposure photo, is mobbed by teammates after hitting the game-winning RBI to beat the Reds 6-5 in the 11th inning Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Busch Stadium.<\/p>\n

Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"St.<\/p>\n

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Andre Granillo throws on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in the seventh inning of a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.<\/p>\n

Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"St.<\/p>\n

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Phil Maton leaves the mound after striking out a batter on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in the eleventh inning of a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.<\/p>\n

Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"St.<\/p>\n

St. Louis Cardinals batter singles on Saturday, June 21, 2025, to score Brendan Donovan in the eighth inning of a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.<\/p>\n

Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch<\/p>\n

Get in the game with our Prep Sports Newsletter<\/p>\n

Sent weekly directly to your inbox!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"When Cardinals reliever Phil Maton fell behind Reds left fielder Will Benson 3-0 with a runner on third…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":122494,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2403],"tags":[2315,2309,5,3313,2313,2325,160,50,2333,2335,19,2310,2304,2308,4,1028,2307,4101,5354,185,673,67,4311,4310,2350,2311,2312],"class_list":{"0":"post-122493","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-st-louis-cardinals","8":"tag-athletic-sports","9":"tag-ball-and-bat-games","10":"tag-baseball","11":"tag-baseball-field","12":"tag-baseball-playoffs-and-champions","13":"tag-baseball-teams","14":"tag-cardinals","15":"tag-cincinnati-reds","16":"tag-grass-field-surfaces","17":"tag-home-run","18":"tag-major-league-baseball","19":"tag-major-league-baseball-competitions","20":"tag-major-league-baseball-postseason","21":"tag-major-league-baseball-teams","22":"tag-mlb","23":"tag-nolan-arenado","24":"tag-outdoor-sports","25":"tag-relief-pitcher","26":"tag-save-baseball","27":"tag-sports","28":"tag-st-louis","29":"tag-st-louis-cardinals","30":"tag-stlouis","31":"tag-stlouiscardinals","32":"tag-strikeout","33":"tag-team-sports","34":"tag-turf-sports"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/122493","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=122493"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/122493\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/122494"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=122493"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=122493"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=122493"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}