ST. LOUIS – Tucker Barnhart built a reputation as one of the best defensive catchers in the sport and his play in the ninth inning Thursday was just another story in his legend.
In an instant, he changed the entire complexion of the game and left his teammates in awe. There were runners on first and second with no outs. The Cincinnati Reds were clinging to a two-run lead and approaching dangerous territory.
Then Barnhart pounced on a bunt in front of the plate, started a double play and the Reds survived with a 4-2 victory against the St. Louis Cardinals in their series opener at Busch Stadium.
"That's the game right there," Jesse Winker said.
The Reds couldn't capitalize on many of their offensive opportunities despite producing 10 hits. They stranded 10 runners and were 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position. There was an out at the plate. A wasted leadoff double.
The Cardinals kept hanging around inning after inning. In the ninth, Matt Carpenter hit a leadoff bloop single into right field and Edmundo Sosa dropped a picture-perfect bunt single down the third-base line.
