5 studs and 2 duds in Cardinals series split the Reds

5 studs and 2 duds for the Cardinals from the series split with the Reds

With a record of 23-29, the Cardinals are five games back of the first-place Brewers. The Cardinals are still struggling mightily but are clawing their way back into contention. The Cardinals lost Monday 6-5. They won Tuesday 8-5. They lost Wednesday 10-3. They won the getaway day game Thursday, 2-1.

Much like this season, the Cardinals had a mix of good performances and cringeworthy efforts. At the same time, some players can have standout performances while at Great American Ball Park, and some could do without visiting Cincinnati.

A series with the Reds is always a grind; this series was no exception. Let's look at who the studs were for the Cardinals and who the duds were in the series.

Stud - Paul Goldschimdt

Goldschmidt has certain ballparks he plays well in. GABP is one of those parks.

In Tuesday's first inning, Goldschmidt hit a fly ball home run to left center field. The homer traveled 384 feet at 99.2 mph. And then, in the third inning, Goldschmidt hit a fly ball homer to right field. The blast traveled 358 feet at 102.9 mph.

Goldschmidt now has nine home runs on the season.

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.