Paul Goldschmidt and the St. Louis Cardinals slowed down rookie fireballer Hunter Greene, and the Cincinnati Reds stretched their skid to 10 games — the franchise’s worst string of losses in six years.

Greene couldn’t find the zip on his fastball that generated so much buzz over his first two big league starts, Steven Matz (2-1) pitched one-run ball over five innings and the Cardinals beat the Reds 4-2.

The right-hander threw 39 fastballs at least 100 mph in his previous start against the Dodgers, the most in a game since pitch tracking began in 2008. The 22-year-old topped out at 97.2 mph Friday.

Goldschmidt and the Cardinals took advantage. The veteran slugger had three hits and two RBIs. Both runs were charged to Greene (1-2), who walked four and allowed three runs over 3 1/3 innings.

Greene said it was just “one of those days.” Manager David Bell said he wasn’t greatly concerned.

Matz (2-1) and the bullpen made the lead stick, with the left-hander striking out six and allowing seven hits before leaving with no outs and a man on in the sixth.

UP NEXT

The Cards send RHP Dakota Hudson (0-1, 7.71) against Reds RHP Tyler Mahle (1-1, 7.82) on Saturday. Game time is 3:10 p.m.