First Pitch: 6:40 PM ET
Venue: Great American Ball Park — Cincinnati, OH
Venue & Weather Outlook
Great American Ball Park is one of MLB’s most hitter‑friendly stadiums, especially in warm weather. While no specific weather data appeared in search results, late‑May Cincinnati conditions typically feature mild temperatures and light winds. Because GABP is extremely sensitive to wind blowing out, totals often rise when conditions favor carry.
Team Records & Statistical Profile
St. Louis Cardinals (28–21)
- Season batting:
- .240 AVG, .321 OBP, .389 SLG, 217 runs, 210 RBI, 55 HR
- Pitching:
- 4.21 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 349 K, 50 HR allowed, 218 runs allowed
- Bullpen:
- 17 saves, 65.4% save rate, 43 holds (1st in MLB)
Cincinnati Reds (26–24)
- Standings: 5th in NL Central entering the game
- Team notes:
- Bullpen inconsistency and injuries have impacted offensive rhythm.
- Ace Eugenio Suárez placed on 10‑day IL.
Recent Form & Series Context
- St. Louis enters the series as an “upstart” contender with strong road performance and a balanced lineup.
- Cincinnati is fighting to regain momentum amid injuries and bullpen volatility.
- This is Game 1 of a crucial three‑game NL Central series that may influence early playoff positioning.
Injury Report
- Reds: Ace Eugenio Suárez on 10‑day IL.
- Cardinals: No specific injuries surfaced in search results.
Starting Pitching Matchup
STL — Kyle Leahy (RHP)
- Record: 5–3
- ERA: 3.94
- Strikeouts: 34
- Notes: Coming off his first quality start of the season in his last outing.
CIN — Chris Paddack (RHP)
- Record: 0–5
- ERA: 7.07
- Strikeouts: 30
- Notes: Has struggled significantly, giving up hard contact and failing to find consistency.
Key Batter vs. Pitcher Matchups
Reds vs. Leahy
- Elly De La Cruz: 1.000 AVG (1–1), 3.000 OPS
- TJ Friedl: .500 AVG (1–2), 2.667 OPS
- Stewart: 1.000 AVG (1–1), 2.000 OPS
- Tyler Stephenson: .250 AVG (1–4), .750 OPS
Cardinals vs. Paddack
- Alec Burleson: .667 AVG (2–3), 1.667 OPS
- Church: .500 AVG (1–2), 2.500 OPS
- Gorman: .333 AVG (1–3), .666 OPS
- Winn: .667 AVG (2–3), 1.667 OPS
Series History & Player Trends
- Elly De La Cruz posted a .906 OPS in 13 games vs. St. Louis last season, making him a major threat in this matchup.
- Cardinals enter with strong road momentum and a deep bullpen that leads MLB in holds.
Betting Trends
- Cardinals’ offense ranks 11th in MLB in runs per game (4.5).
- Reds’ bullpen inconsistency may inflate late‑game scoring.
- Paddack’s 7.07 ERA suggests vulnerability against a Cardinals lineup with multiple hitters who have strong matchup numbers.
GAME ODDS
St. Louis Cardinals 9.5
Cincinnati Reds – 105
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, May 21, 2026
