Reds vs Cardinals predictions
All eyes are on the Cincinnati Reds as they look to snap their three-game losing streak, and if you’re searching for players who could spark that comeback, Elly De La Cruz immediately stands out. With his blend of power and speed, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him score a run and tack on a couple of hits—plus, he’s always a threat to go deep or swipe a base. TJ Friedl, another guy to keep on your radar, has been swinging a hot bat and profiles to deliver a hit or two, maybe even drive in a run. On the mound, Andrew Abbott’s been reliable, and I think he’ll keep things competitive by working deep into the game, limiting damage to just a couple of runs while racking up strikeouts. Serious potential for the Reds to shake things up if these guys get rolling early.
Switching over to the St. Louis Cardinals, the home crowd at Busch Stadium will be hoping for another steady night from Miles Mikolas on the bump. He tends to keep things under control, so don’t be surprised if he logs five-plus innings of efficient work while scattering some hits and holding the Reds’ offense in check. Brendan Donovan has been quietly consistent at the plate—he’s the kind of contact hitter you can rely on for multiple knocks and possibly a clutch RBI. You’ve also got Nolan Arenado, a perennial threat in the heart of the lineup, who could easily add another extra-base hit to his stat line and chew up some key at-bats. With bats like these, the Cardinals always seem to have someone stepping up.
All considered, this matchup looks pretty tight on paper, but I’m leaning toward the St. Louis Cardinals taking this one. Playing at home, they’ve got a slightly stronger record and a deep lineup that’s tough to pitch around—plus, Mikolas brings a calming presence to their rotation. Of course, the Reds are more than capable of putting up a fight, especially if De La Cruz heats up, but momentum and the familiar Busch Stadium backdrop just tip the scales in favor of the Cardinals tonight. Who do you think comes away with the W?
