Reds Cardinals Betting – Reds Will Fight To Close In On Cardinals For Division Lead
One year after clinching the MLB betting division title, the Cincinnati Reds now find themselves in an overwhelming situation as there are now four teams right there with them competing for top spot in a suddenly crowded National League Central. The Reds will travel this week for a three-set against one of those teams, as they make their way to St. Louis to face the Cardinals. Cincinnati has struggled on the road this year, but will need to bring their best as they try to close on St. Louis and the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers.
Cincinnati Reds @ St. Louis Cardinals
Monday, 6:15 PM ET
Reds’ ace Johnny Cueto has been phenomenal over the past month, and the Reds are hoping that he will bring his best stuff again to help open the series on the right note. The 25-year old has not conceded a decision since late May and has allowed a total of just four runs in his last four starts. While he hasn’t been as consistent as Cueto this season, Cardinals’ starter Chris Carpenter has been solid in his last two outings, allowing just two earned runs combined in consecutive wins over the Philadelphia Phillies and Baltimore Orioles. Whether or not Carpenter can put together another solid outing will go a long way in determining if St. Louis can stay in this one.
MLB Betting Pick: Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds @ St. Louis Cardinals
Tuesday, 7:05 PM ET
For as solid as Cueto has been this season, Edinson Volquez has been a surprise for all of the wrong reasons. Volquez has conceded fewer than three runs in just two of his last six starts, and his 5.65 ERA has made things difficult for Dusty Baker and the Reds. St. Louis will turn to Jaime Garcia in hopes that they can even the series Tuesday, with All Stars Lance Berkman, Matt Holliday, and Yadier Molina continuing to carry the load on offense with Albert Pujols watching from the sports betting sidelines. Pujols will miss the All Star game for just the second time in 11 years, but as long as the other three stars continue to produce that should be fine until playoff time.
MLB Betting Pick: St. Louis Cardinals
Cincinnati Reds @ St. Louis Cardinals
Wednesday, 8:15 PM ET
Jake Westbrook put together his most complete performance of the season in his last start, going seven-strong without conceding a single run, while allowing just two hits. The 33-year old will look to back that up with another quality outing, while Bronson Arroyo will look to just bounce back after his worst sports betting bonus start, allowing eight earned runs in just 4.2 innings of work. The Reds haven’t been able to close the gap on the Cardinals and Brewers so far this season, and it’s unlikely they will be able to get that job done on the road where they have struggled. Volquez will be in tough against a strong St. Louis lineup, as the Cardinals close out the series with consecutive wins.
MLB Betting Pick: Cincinnati Reds
