Cardinals fall short of a sweep against Reds

CINCINNATI, Ohio (KMIZ)

The St. Louis Cardinals couldn't finish the job against the Cincinnati Reds, on Sunday, falling just one game short of a sweep in the series in a 7-4 loss.

The Reds managed to pull off the win in the finale courtesy of a heroic day from left fielder Austin Hays. After the two teams carried a tie into the fifth inning, Hays hit what would end up being the game-winning and tie-breaking home run to get his team up by a pair of runs.

St. Louis tried to stay in the fight, after Jimmy Crooks hit a home run of his own in the seventh inning to get within one. However, that was the last bit of offense that skipper Oli Marmol's team would see in the loss.

Former Royals pitcher Brady Singer hung in there and ended up with a solid day on the bump. He threw for 6.0 innings and allowed three earned runs on five hits, while striking out eight batters.

On the other side, Andre Pallante did not have such luck. He gave up five runs, two of which were earned, on six hits and four walks through his five innings of work.

With the loss, STL fell further down in the National League Wild Card race, now 5.5 games back from the last spot.

Up next - the Cardinals will host the Athletics on Monday, Sept. 1 at 1:15 p.m.