5 studs and 2 duds in Cardinals series split the Reds

Dud - Steven Matz

Matz is a dismal 0-6 on the season. Even though manager Oli Marmol says the team has a six-man rotation, the manager insists on using Matthew Liberatore out of the bullpen. Liberatore is set to start Friday and has been waiting for a rotation spot since he was called to start against the Brewers. He won his start against the Brewers. That said, it seems ridiculous to keep Matz in the rotation. Hopefully, Marmol will keep Liberatore in the starting rotation and bump Matz to the bullpen for long relief appearances.

Matz pitched four innings, giving up 11 hits, two walks, and six runs, including a home run to Matt McLain. He did strike out two batters.

Chris Stratton and Genesis Cabrera each struggled in their three innings of relief after Matz's outing.

Stud - Paul DeJong

DeJong had another series where he could show off the fantastic strides he made this off-season to improve his offense. The simplified batting stance is proving so beneficial for DeJong and the Cardinals. DeJong doesn't have any extra movements. He's removed the leg kick and relies on the combination of his smooth swing hitting a high-velocity pitch. It's been a good combination that he will hopefully build on as the season progresses.

In the second inning of Monday's game, DeJong hit a fly ball home run to left center field, scoring Juan Yepez and Nolan Gorman. The homer traveled 410 feet at 107.2 mph.

In the eighth inning, DeJong doubled to right field, scoring Gorman.

Dud - Adam Wainwright

Wainwright typically struggles when pitching at GAPB. He was lucky to get his 197th career victory on Tuesday because he did struggle through the outing. Wainwright used his great sense of humor to explain why he struggles at the ballpark. "This place is from the devil," Wainwright said to the media after Tuesday's game. It makes perfect sense!

Now 2-0 on the season, Wainwright pitched 5.2 innings, giving up eight hits, one walk, and five earned runs, including a home run to Matt McLain. He did strike out two batters.

Wainwright did get some help from his teammates, who helped save the victory for him. Chris Stratton, Giovanny Gallegos, and Ryan Helsley all pitched in relief. Helsley earned his sixth save of the season, striking out one batter.

Stud - Tommy Edman

Edman brought his hustle and competitive spirit with him to Cincinnati. In addition to the team using his glove anywhere he asked, from right field to second base, Edman had a great series.

In the fourth inning of Tuesday's game, Edman hit a triple on a sharp liner to center field, scoring DeJong and Brendan Donovan. In the ninth inning, Lars Nootbaar singled on a drive to center field, allowing Edman to score from second base.

Stud - Nolan Gorman

Go-ahead Gorman struck again!

With Lars Nootbaar at second, Gorman hit a line drive double to right field, scoring Nootbar. With a 1-0 lead, Lucas Sims threw a wild pitch, allowing Gorman to score from third and move Brendan Donovan to third.

It was great to see Gorman step up again. He has been incredibly clutch for the Cardinals in this young season. It's awesome to see him be the player we have hoped to see.

Stud - Miles Mikolas

Could Mikolas be the ace of the Cardinals' pitching staff? With a record of 3-1, it certainly seems like it when you consider how the Cardinals pitchers have worked this season.

Mikolas pitched seven innings. He gave up five hits but struck out five batters. He gave up no walks and no runs. It was quite the clutch outing for Mikolas. He ate up several innings and threw strikes. This was exactly what the Cardinals needed from him. It's great to see him deliver. Here's hoping it's a stepping stone for him to keep up the excellent work.