The St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds are set to face off in the final game of their three-game series on May 1, 2025, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio. First pitch is scheduled for 12:40 PM ET, and fans can catch the action live on FuboTV or regional sports networks.
Team Overview
St. Louis Cardinals
- Record: 13-17 (4th in NL Central)
- Key Players:
- Lars Nootbaar: A consistent offensive contributor, Nootbaar has been a bright spot in the Cardinals’ lineup with his ability to get on base and drive in runs.
- Masyn Winn: The young shortstop has shown flashes of brilliance, including a solo home run in Game 1 of the series.
- Nolan Gorman: A defensive standout who has also provided timely hits, Gorman’s versatility has been crucial for the Cardinals.
The Cardinals have struggled to find consistency this season, particularly on the road, where they hold a 2-12 record. Their pitching staff ranks 29th in MLB in strikeouts per nine innings, which has been a significant challenge against high-powered offenses like Cincinnati’s.
Cincinnati Reds
- Record: 16-14 (2nd in NL Central)
- Key Players:
- Elly De La Cruz: A dynamic player who leads the team in stolen bases and is currently on a 13-game hitting streak.
- Spencer Steer: A reliable hitter with a knack for driving in runs, Steer has been a key contributor to the Reds’ offense.
- Andrew Abbott: The left-handed pitcher has been effective this season and will take the mound for Cincinnati in this game.
The Reds have been one of the most exciting teams in the league, ranking 5th in MLB in runs scored and 6th in team batting average. Their offense has been the driving force behind their success, and they’ll look to continue their strong form at home.
Pitching Matchup
St. Louis Cardinals: Steven Matz (2-0, 1.80 ERA)
Matz has been a bright spot in the Cardinals’ rotation, boasting a stellar ERA of 1.80 this season. However, advanced metrics like his xFIP (3.92) suggest he may have benefitted from some luck. He’ll need to be sharp against Cincinnati’s potent lineup.
Cincinnati Reds: Andrew Abbott (3-1, 2.45 ERA)
Abbott has been a reliable arm for the Reds, with a strong start to the season. His ability to mix pitches and keep hitters off-balance will be crucial against a Cardinals lineup that has struggled with consistency.
Key Factors to Watch
- Offensive Firepower: The Reds’ offense ranks among the best in MLB, while the Cardinals have struggled to generate consistent power, ranking 23rd in home runs.
- Pitching Duel: Both Matz and Abbott have been effective this season, and their performances will likely dictate the outcome of this game.
- Base Running: Elly De La Cruz’s speed on the basepaths could put pressure on the Cardinals’ defense.
- Momentum: The Cardinals’ 9-1 victory in Game 2 of the series gives them confidence, but the Reds’ overall depth and home-field advantage make them formidable.
Game Odds
St. Louis Cardinals 8.5
Cincinnati Reds – 122
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, May 1, 2025
