In the first of a four-game series between the two divisional rivals, the Reds enjoyed a 4-2 victory over the Cardinals on Thursday night at Busch Stadium.
Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright found himself in trouble early, in the top of the first inning. After striking out Eugenio Suarez to open up the game, Jesse Winker and Nick Castellanos recorded back-to-back singles, and Tyler Stephenson was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Wainwright hit the very next batter, Tyler Naquin, and the Reds took a 1-0 lead.
In the bottom of the first, Reds rookie Vladimir Gutierrez took the mound to make just his second Major League start.