First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 PM ET, with live coverage on Bally Sports Midwest, Bally Sports Ohio, and MLB.TV.
Game Overview: Reds vs Cardinals – Division Rivals Battle for Position
This is the fifth meeting of the season between the Reds and Cardinals, with the season series currently tied 2–2. Both teams are separated by just one game in the NL Central standings, making this a pivotal series for playoff positioning. The Reds have won 9 of their last 12 games, while the Cardinals are coming off a three-game sweep of the White Sox.
Cincinnati Reds: Riding Momentum into the Arch City
Record: 39–36 (19–19 on the road)
Last Game: 12–5 loss vs Minnesota Twins
Probable Starter: Brady Singer (7–4, 4.34 ERA)
Strengths:
- Offensive Firepower: 350 runs scored (8th in MLB), 16 HRs in last 10 games.
- Speed & Versatility: 56 stolen bases, led by Elly De La Cruz and TJ Friedl.
- Recent Form: 7–3 in last 10 games, including series wins over the Twins, Tigers, and Guardians.
Key Players:
- Elly De La Cruz: 16 HRs, 50 RBIs, .263 AVG – ranks 13th in MLB in homers
- TJ Friedl: .294 AVG, 7 SBs – team’s most consistent contact hitter
- Gavin Lux: .275 AVG, 14 doubles, .355 OBP
St. Louis Cardinals: Heating Up at Home
Record: 40–35 (22–14 at home)
Last Game: 8–6 win vs Chicago White Sox (10 innings)
Probable Starter: Andre Pallante (4–3, 4.83 ERA)
Strengths:
- Home Field Advantage: 4–1 in last 5 home games vs NL teams.
- Balanced Lineup: .257 team batting average (Top 10 in MLB), 4.66 runs/game.
- Clutch Hitting: Brendan Donovan and Willson Contreras have combined for 20 HRs and 98 RBIs.
Key Players:
- Willson Contreras: 10 HRs, 48 RBIs, .249 AVG – team leader in power production
- Brendan Donovan: .323 AVG, .409 over last 5 games
- Nolan Arenado: 9 HRs, 11 doubles, .240 AVG – heating up with 2 HRs in last 5 games
Head-to-Head & Betting Trends
| Category | Reds | Cardinals |
|---|---|---|
| Team Batting Avg | .248 (14th in MLB) | .257 (9th in MLB) |
| Team ERA | 3.80 (14th) | 3.97 (20th) |
| Home Runs | 78 (T-16th) | 76 (18th) |
| Last 10 Games | 7–3 | 4–6 |
| Season Series | Tied 2–2 | — |
- Reds are 5–1 in last 6 games as underdogs
- Cardinals are 6–4 when favored at -137 or shorter odds
- Over has hit in 7 of Reds’ last 10 games, while Under is 4–1 in Cardinals’ last 5 vs NL Central
Game Odds
Cincinnati Reds 9
St. Louis Cardinals -151
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, June 19, 2025
