Cincinnati Reds Take Series from Cardinals Behind Anthony DeSclafani’s Gem

W: Anthony DeSclafani (6-7)

L: John Lackey (9-6)

SV: Aroldis Chapman (21)

For the first time since September of 2011, the Cincinnati Reds have won a series on the road against the St. Louis Cardinals, thanks to another outstanding pitching performance.

Anthony DeSclafani followed Mike Leake‘s scoreless eight inning effort on Tuesday with a seven shutout frames of his own, as the Reds shutout the Cardinals in back-to-back games for the first time since 1937.

DeSclafani got off to a rocky start, as he walked three batters through the first three innings, but the rookie got stronger as the game went along. Over his final four innings, “Disco” didn’t issue another walk, giving up just two hits and hitting a batter.

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Putting that all together, DeSclafani pitched seven innings, allowed no runs, three hits, three walks, hit one batter, and struck out three.

J.J. Hoover and Aroldis Chapman helped to seal the win for DeSclafani, tossing a scoreless inning each. Hoover did give up a double to Matt Carpenter in the eighth inning, but was able to work out of trouble. Chapman struck out two in a perfect ninth.

Cardinals starter John Lackey put together a good outing in his own right, giving up one run on two hits in eight innings, but the one run he did allow was all that DeSclafani and the Reds would need. Jay Bruce‘s second inning solo home run to center field, which barely made it over the glove of center fielder Randal Grichuk, was the difference in the game.

Bruce’s home run was one of two Reds hits in the game. Billy Hamilton had the other, a bunt single in the third inning.

Other Notes:

• Bruce’s home run also marked the 199th of his career, breaking a tie with Barry Larkin for eighth in Reds history.
• Lackey was able to slow down the red-hot Joey Votto at the plate, striking him out twice in three at-bats. Votto did draw a walk off of Kevin Siegrist in the ninth, however.
• Cardinals left fielder Matt Holliday left the game in the first inning after injuring his right quadriceps while trying to run out a double play.

Up Next: The Reds return to Great American Ball Park to take on another National League Central rival in the Pittsburgh Pirates. David Holmberg will make his first big league start of 2015 as Johnny Cueto‘s replacement in the starting rotation. He’ll be opposed by All-Star A.J. Burnett. First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m EST.

Next: Getting to know LHP Cody Reed