Venue: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Scheduled first pitches (ET):
Game 1: 1:40 p.m.
Game 2: 6:40 p.m.
Probable Pitchers
Game 1: Quinn Mathews (LHP, Cardinals; 0-1, 3.60 ERA in limited MLB action—5.0 IP, 1.80 WHIP in debut) vs. Kent Emanuel (LHP, Reds; recently selected from Triple-A Louisville after strong independent/Atlantic League and Triple-A work; limited recent MLB track record). Mathews was recalled from Triple-A Memphis specifically for this start.
Game 2: Andre Pallante (RHP, Cardinals; 12-6, 3.46 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, ~130 IP) vs. Rhett Lowder (RHP, Reds; 4-8, 5.15 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, ~94.1 IP).
Pallante has been one of St. Louis’s steadiest starters; Lowder has struggled with consistency and home-run allowance.
Current Weather Forecast (Cincinnati / GABP area)
Highs in the lower-to-mid 80s°F (around 81–83°F), lows mid-60s. Mostly cloudy with showers/thunderstorms possible (chance of precip ~40–70% at times, higher earlier or afternoon). Light winds (W/NW around 5–10 mph). Conditions favor offense if rain stays away but introduce delay risk, especially for the day game. Humidity elevated.
Injury Reports (key absences)
Cardinals: Ramón Urías (3B, 60-day IL, elbow; expected return ~Aug 25); Max Rajcic (RP, 60-day IL, elbow). Roster otherwise relatively healthy for the series.
Reds: Spencer Steer (1B, 10-day IL, wrist; out into September); Tony Santillan (RP, 15-day IL, oblique; ~Aug 21); Brandon Williamson (SP, 60-day IL, shoulder); Graham Ashcraft (RP, 60-day IL, forearm—eligible around this period); Blake Dunn (OF, 60-day IL); Hunter Greene (SP, 60-day IL post-elbow surgery, longer-term). Depth in the bullpen and infield is tested.
Recent Team Forms
Cardinals: Strong recent stretch—won series vs. Phillies and took 2 of 3 from Cubs (including an 11-4 win on Aug 16). Last 5: roughly 4-1; Last 10: ~7-3. Offense clicking with Burleson and Walker producing; pitching has stabilized. Away record solid (31-27).
Reds: Struggling offensively in August (.191 team BA noted in some reports, though power present with 20+ HRs). Last 5: 2-3 (dropped series to Marlins, including 7-1 and 8-4 losses). Last 10: ~4-6. Home record 30-33. Pitching ERA elevated (~4.51 overall).
Series History (2026)
Cardinals lead the season series 5-3 entering the day. Notable results include St. Louis sweeps/wins in June at home and a split in late July (Reds took 2 of 3, including a 5-3 extra-inning win). Earlier May doubleheader was split. All-time Cardinals lead the rivalry heavily. This is a five-game set due to the makeup.
Key Player Matchups / Notes
Cardinals bats: Alec Burleson (.288 AVG, 21 HR, 90 RBI) and Jordan Walker (.284, 24 HR, 88 RBI) form a dangerous middle of the order and have produced well vs. Reds pitching historically and recently. JJ Wetherholt (rookie contender) and Iván Herrera add OBP and versatility. Power/contact combo suits GABP’s dimensions.
Reds bats: Sal Stewart (rookie frontrunner; ~.259, 26 HR, 91 RBI) and Elly De La Cruz (.262, 20 HR, speed/power threat with SB) are the focal points. De La Cruz has had success in prior series meetings (hits, HRs, steals). Matt McLain and others provide secondary production, but overall team BA lags.
Pitching edges: Pallante’s ground-ball tendency and experience give St. Louis the clearer advantage in
Game 2. Game 1 is more of a wildcard with Mathews (promising prospect stuff, limited big-league sample) vs. the veteran Emanuel (soft-tossing, ground-ball oriented, recent Triple-A success). Bullpens will be taxed in a doubleheader; Reds’ relief depth is thinner due to injuries.
GABP is hitter-friendly (especially LF), amplifying HR potential for Walker, Burleson, Stewart, and De La Cruz.
Historical notes: Series totals have leaned under in several recent meetings; Cardinals road form and Pallante’s reliability support favorites.
This is a classic NL Central rivalry matchup with playoff implications lingering for St. Louis and development/positioning for Cincinnati. Expect competitive games with potential for offense if the weather cooperates. Always verify final lineups, weather updates, and odds closer to first pitch, as doubleheaders can bring last-minute roster or starter tweaks.
GAME 1 ODDS
St. Louis Cardinals – 115
Cincinnati Reds 9.5
GAME 2 ODDS
St. Louis Cardinals – 121
Cincinnati Reds 9
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, August 16, 2026
