The St Louis Cardinals kept their winning streak going in dramatic fashion, picking up runs in the eighth and ninth, then sliding in for the game winner in the 11th to defeat the Cincinnati Reds 6-5 on Saturday, June 21 at Busch Stadium.

Yohel Pozo had the game winner for the Cardinals, with a two-out line-drive single to right field that allowed Jordan Walker to score from second, as the throw home was off-line. The Cardinals had claimed an early lead with Alec Burleson sending a two-run home run to right field in the first. The Reds would get on the board in the third, when Matt McLain was able to score after Gavin Lux hit into a double play. Lux would spark a three-run rally for Cincinnati in the seventh with another groundout that became the tying run, setting up Elly De La Cruz’ 17th home run of the year to make it a 4-2 game. Cincinnati added their final run in the eighth with a sacrifice fly.

The Cardinals struck back with two outs in the eighth, when Masyn Winn’s grounder to short was deflected by McLain at second, allowing Victor Scott II to score. Burleson made it a one-run game when he sent a ground ball to right field that brought Brendan Donovan home. Nolan Arenado led off the ninth with a solo home run to send the game to extra innings.

The win went to Phil Maton, his first of the year, after he went one inning and struck out three while allowing one walk. Sonny Gray went five innings in the no decision, allowing one run on five hits and two walks, recording five strikeouts. Steven Matz was charged with his third blown save of the year after allowing three runs on two hits, two walks, and a strikeout.

The Cardinals keep pace with Milwaukee for second in the NL Central and for the third wild card spot, sitting 4.5 games behind the Cubs for the division lead at 42-35. It’s up to Miles Mikolas to extend the Cardinals winning streak to six as he takes the mound with a series sweep on the line. First pitch at Busch Stadium is Sunday afternoon at 1:15 p.m.