Cardinals vs Reds odds - Surprising Reds welcome Central-leading Cards
MLB betting odds will be close for this weekend’s three-game series between the National League Central-leading St. Louis Cardinals and the Cincinnati Reds at the Great American Ball Park. The Reds have gotten off to a great start due to a solid pitching staff, but they’ll be going up against a St. Louis lineup that has been hitting the cover off the ball this year. Here's what we've got as advice for betting on this exciting three-game series:- Young pitching staff keeps Reds from being huge underdog
- Cardinals usually go against the odds on the road
- Lohse-Harang matchup on Saturday is one to watch
Kyle Lohse (3-1, 3.22) is coming off his first loss of the season, as he was tagged for six runs on seven hits in just 4.1 innings of a 6-1 home loss to Philadelphia. The 30-year-old right-hander is still looking for his first decision on the road, and his last start away from home was a four-hit shutout over six innings in a 2-1 loss at Atlanta. Lohse was also hit by a pitch in his left elbow against the Phillies, and he has knee problems, so that could be a factor on Saturday. Lohse was 1-1 in two starts against the Reds last year, posting an ERA of 3.55.
Aaron Harang (2-3, 3.00) took his first no-decision of the season in a 3-2 loss at Florida, giving up a pair of runs on seven hits over seven innings, along with nine strikeouts and three walks. Run support has been a problem for the 30-year-old right-hander, as the Reds have scored more than three runs in only one of his six starts. Harang is looking to get back to his 2007 form when he notched 16 wins, because last year was a write-off as he was 6-17. Harang was 1-3 in four starts against the Cardinals in 2008 with an ERA of 5.79.
Baseball betting lines should favor the Cardinals this weekend, as the Reds’ bats struggle even more at home than on the road. St. Louis, led by MVP candidate Albert Pujols, is hitting .276 for the season, although their average drops on the road. The Reds should tail off as the season goes by, as their offense just isn’t giving their pitchers enough support, and that will be their downfall this weekend. Bet on the Cardinals in your sportsbook to take two of three from the Reds this weekend.
For more MLB odds and lines, visit the sportsbook at BetOnline.com.
Before his arm flamed out, Dale “Skip” Lalonde was famous for his high-90s heat and power at the plate. He retired young but never turned his back on baseball, earning the nickname “Skip” for his high-school coaching prowess. A true student of the game, he loves crunching the numbers when he handicaps baseball. Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
