If ever there was a gritty, desirable split in a four-game series, the Cincinnati Reds achieved just that against the St. Louis Cardinals.
In a series where inclement weather and the resulting scheduling challenges could have derailed the Reds' pitching staff, the club pulled out a 9-1 win Thursday at Great American Ball Park.
A day after playing a doubleheader (which the Reds were swept in) due to a Tuesday rainout, the Reds lost Thursday starter Andrew Abbott after just four innings to a rain delay but still prevailed on the back of a strong hitting performance and more effective pitching out of the bullpen.