The St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds are set to face off on April 29, 2025, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio. This matchup marks the second game of a four-game series between these NL Central rivals, with both teams looking to gain momentum early in the season.
Team Overview
Cincinnati Reds
The Reds enter this game with a 16-13 record, showcasing strong form at home and riding a five-game winning streak. Brady Singer is expected to start for Cincinnati. Singer has been reliable this season, holding a 2-1 record with a 3.86 ERA across 32 2/3 innings pitched. His ability to pitch deep into games and limit scoring opportunities will be crucial for the Reds.
Offensively, Cincinnati has been powered by Elly De La Cruz, who leads the team with five home runs and 24 RBIs. De La Cruz is riding a 12-game hitting streak, batting .317 during this stretch. Gavin Lux has also been in excellent form, boasting a .352 batting average and contributing key hits in recent games. The Reds rank sixth in MLB with a .254 team batting average and eighth in slugging percentage (.404), highlighting their offensive depth.
St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals, with a 12-17 record, have struggled on the road, holding a 2-12 record away from home. Miles Mikolas is set to start for St. Louis. Mikolas has a 1-2 record with a 4.50 ERA across 30 innings pitched. While he has had inconsistent outings, he is coming off his first quality start of the season, where he allowed just two runs over six innings against the Atlanta Braves.
Offensively, the Cardinals are led by Lars Nootbaar and Brendan Donovan, who have been consistent at the plate. Nootbaar is hitting .272 with four home runs and 17 RBIs, while Donovan boasts an NL-best .359 batting average. The Cardinals rank first in MLB with a .265 team batting average but have struggled to convert hits into runs, ranking 20th in home runs (24) and 10th in runs scored (130).
Key Matchups
- Brady Singer vs. Miles Mikolas: Both starting pitchers will play a pivotal role in setting the tone for the game.
- Elly De La Cruz vs. Cardinals’ Pitching: De La Cruz’s hot streak makes him a key player to watch.
- Lars Nootbaar vs. Reds’ Defense: Nootbaar’s ability to get on base and drive in runs could be a game-changer for St. Louis.
Game Dynamics
The Reds are slight favorites, with a win probability of 55%. Their home-field advantage and strong offensive lineup give them an edge. However, the Cardinals’ ability to hit for average and their potential for timely hitting make them a dangerous opponent.
Game Odds
St. Louis Cardinals 9.5
Cincinnati Reds – 142
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, April 28, 2025
