On April 30, 2025, the Cincinnati Reds faced the St. Louis Cardinals in a split doubleheader at Great American Ball Park, prompted by the postponement of the previous night’s game due to heavy rain and severe weather threats. The Reds, riding a five-game winning streak and holding a 16-13 record, aimed to maintain their momentum in the National League Central. However, the doubleheader proved challenging, resulting in a sweep by the Cardinals and exposing areas of concern for Cincinnati. In Game 1, starting at 12:40 p.m. ET, the Reds fell 6-0. Brady Singer, Cincinnati’s starter, pitched six scoreless innings, allowing five hits and striking out eight without a walk. Despite his effort, the Reds’ offense was stifled by Cardinals’ pitcher Miles Mikolas, managing only five hits and no runs. The game remained scoreless until the ninth, when Reds reliever Alexis Díaz struggled, surrendering three consecutive home runs to Victor Scott II, Lars Nootbaar, and Masyn Winn, who hit his second of the game. Díaz allowed five runs, ballooning his ERA and drawing criticism from fans on X for his lack of command, with some calling his pitches “batting practice.” Game 2, starting at 6:40 p.m. ET, saw the Reds lose 9-1. Chase Petty, a 22-year-old top pitching prospect, made his MLB debut as the 27th man for the doubleheader. Petty, called up from Triple-A Louisville, struggled, giving up five runs over four innings. The Cardinals capitalized early, and the Reds’ offense again faltered against Steven Matz, scoring just one run. Posts on X highlighted fan disappointment, noting the Reds’ combined one run across both games and Petty’s rough debut, though some remained hopeful for his future. The doubleheader exposed offensive inconsistencies and bullpen weaknesses, particularly Díaz’s meltdown. Injuries also loomed large: outfielder Austin Hays was sidelined with a hamstring issue, and infielder Jeimer Candelario was placed on the 10-day IL with a back injury, retroactive to April 28. Tyler Callihan was called up to fill the gap. Despite the losses, the Reds (16-15) had a chance to split the four-game series in the finale. Under new manager Terry Francona, the team’s young core, including Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain, remains a focal point for optimism as they navigate a grueling 17-game stretch without an off day until May 12.