Vladimir Gutierrez gave the Reds five strong innings in his second career start as the Reds held on for a 4-2 win in the first of a four game series in St. Louis. Reds manager David Bell could not have drawn it up better as both of his two best relievers, Tejay Antone and Lucas Sims, each pitched two scoreless innings. Sims got in a dangerous spot in the 9th after getting burned on a perfect bunt, but Barnhart and Suarez combined for a great 2-5-4 double play on a failed bunt attempt.
The Reds unexplainable dominance over Adam Wainwright continued.