Wacha, Adams lift the Cardinals to even series versus Reds CINCINNATI – Michael Wacha out dueled Reds ace Johnny Cueto with a little help from the bullpen and Matt Adams who entered the series hitless. Adams would end his 0-9 season starting slump by blasting a home run that provided the go ahead run as St. Louis defeated Cincinnati, 4-1. The game was played at the great American ball park in Cincinnati where the Reds lost their first match of the season. While things wouldn’t start off promising as Wacha was beat by Todd Frazier for a home run in the first inning he was not rattled. Wacha managed to shut down the Reds for the following 6 1/3 innings. Wacha wasn’t without struggle as Cincinnati’s potent offense would come within striking distance on numerous occasions however; Wacha worked his way out of these jams and stranded 3 Reds at 3rd base and another at the 2nd. Wacha said that he was able to pitch out of the troubling moments with the Reds in the scoring position and added that the success was attributed by the defense that was behind him. Adams started the season 0-for -9 with 4 strikeouts so a matchup versus Cincinnati’s ace didn’t look promising. Fortunately Adams would bust out of his slump by seeing Cueto’s 0-1 changeup and sending it to the crowd, much to their dismay with a solo home run onto the netting over the right field netting of the cardinal’s bullpen. This would put up St. Louis 2-1 in the 4th inning and the birds would lead for the rest of the game. Jhonyy Peralta and Yadier Molina also added RBI singles in the 9th. According to Adams for him to win the matchup he needed to be consistent especially when Cueto lead off with a changeup a pitch that seemed unhittable to Adams during their first series in Chicago. The Reds have managed to win all four previous games this season by feeding off of their opponent’s bullpen. St. Louis Manager Mike Matheny used five relief pitchers against the final six Cincinnati bats showing no fear after removing Wacha in the 7th inning. The Birds bullpen would reward Matheny’s faith and close the game out with near perfection. For the Reds, Frazier continues to provide power. He gave the fans something to cheer in spite of a loss in American Ballpark. The Reds also continue to flash their speed and managed to move to 10-for-10 stealing bases on the season even against the highly touted St. Louis catcher Molina. Things are looking good for both clubs, and the division rivalry should be a good one in the NL Central this season. CARDINALS TAKE THE WIN IN EXTRA INNINGS AGAINST REDS By: SSSS Matt Carpenter hits the 2-run homer in the 11th inning that puts the Cardinals two runs over the Cincinnati Reds for the win of 7-5 on Friday April 10, 2015. This incredible game began with Jon Jay, outfielder, making a difficult catch in the bottom of the 1st inning of Brandon Phillips hit to left field. This would have been a double base hit had he not dove for that ball! Carlos Martinez, who .