First pitch is scheduled for 2:15 PM CT / 3:15 PM ET, with live coverage on Bally Sports Ohio, Bally Sports Midwest, and MLB.TV.
This is the second game of a three-game weekend series between two teams separated by just one game in the NL Central and Wild Card standings. The Cardinals took the opener 6–1 behind a dominant bullpen and timely hitting. The Reds are looking to bounce back after a rare offensive letdown, while St. Louis aims to extend its home dominance.
Cincinnati Reds: Abbott Aims to Reignite Momentum
Record: 39–37 (3rd in NL Central)
Last Game: 1–6 loss vs Cardinals
Probable Starter: Andrew Abbott (6–1, 1.84 ERA)
Strengths:
- Elite Starting Pitching: Abbott has been one of the best young arms in the NL, allowing just 2 earned runs over his last 4 starts.
- Speed & Power Combo: Elly De La Cruz leads the team with 16 HRs and 50 RBIs, while also ranking top 5 in MLB in stolen bases.
- Recent Form: Despite Friday’s loss, Cincinnati has won 9 of its last 13 games.
Key Players:
- Elly De La Cruz: 16 HRs, 50 RBIs, 31 SBs
- TJ Friedl: .294 AVG, 5 HRs, 12 SBs
- Gavin Lux: .275 AVG, 14 doubles, 3 HRs
St. Louis Cardinals: Burleson, Contreras Power the Lineup
Record: 41–35 (2nd in NL Central)
Last Game: 6–1 win vs Reds
Probable Starter: Lance Lynn (5–5, 4.76 ERA) (tentative)
Strengths:
- Home Field Advantage: 23–14 at Busch Stadium this season.
- Balanced Lineup: Five players with 8+ home runs; Willson Contreras leads with 10 HRs and 48 RBIs.
- Bullpen Efficiency: Allowed just 2 hits over final 4 innings in Friday’s win.
Key Players:
- Alec Burleson: .381 AVG over last 10 games, 2 HRs
- Willson Contreras: 10 HRs, 48 RBIs, .249 AVG
- Brendan Donovan: .323 AVG, 2 doubles in last 5 games
Head-to-Head & Betting Trends
| Category | Reds | Cardinals |
|---|---|---|
| Team Batting Avg | .248 (15th in MLB) | .257 (6th in MLB) |
| Team ERA | 3.80 (14th) | 3.97 (20th) |
| Home Runs | 88 (T-10th) | 84 (T-12th) |
| Last 10 Games | 7–3 | 4–6 |
| Season Series | Tied 2–2 | — |
- Reds are 6–1 in Abbott’s last 7 starts
- Cardinals are 4–1 in last 5 home games vs NL teams
- Under has hit in 4 of last 5 Cardinals divisional games
Game Odds
Cincinnati Reds 9
St. Louis Cardinals – 205
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, June 20, 2025
