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The Cincinnati Reds (82-78) and St. Louis Cardinals (69-91) clash Saturday as they continue a 3-game, final-weekend series. First pitch at Busch Stadium is slated for 7:15 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Reds vs. Cardinals odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Reds lead 6-5
The Reds entered the final weekend 1 1/2 games behind the Miami Marlins for the final slot in the NL Senior Circuit brackets. Both teams won Friday (Cincinnati pounded St. Louis 19-2), so the Reds need to gain ground on Saturday or their October hopes will be dashed.
The scuffling Cardinals have scored just 4 runs over their last 3 games. They have averaged just 2.33 runs per game on a .586 OPS since Sept. 13. St. Louis is 11-20 across its last 31 games at Busch Stadium.
Reds at Cardinals projected starters
RHP Connor Phillips vs. LHP Drew Rom
Phillips (1-0, 5.66 ERA) makes his 5th start. He has a 1.36 WHIP, 4.4 BB/9 and 11.3 K/9 through 20 2/3 IP.
- Last start: No-decision, 5 IP, 3 R, 5 H, 3 BB, 9 K in 13-12 loss at Pittsburgh Pirates Saturday
- A 22-year-old rookie who made his Major League debut Sept. 5; clocked a 3.77 ERA across 105 combined innings at Double-A and Triple-A this season
Rom (1-4, 7.98 ERA) is tabbed for his 8th start. He has logged a 2.05 WHIP, 4.9 BB/9 and 7.7 K/9 through 29 1/3 IP.
- Last start: Loss, 3 1/3 IP, 6 ER, 11 H, 1 BB, 4 K in 12-2 loss at San Diego Padres Sunday
- A 23-year-old rookie who made his MLB debut Aug. 21; posted a 4.82 ERA in 97 IP at Triple-A this season
- Has yielded 11 R over his last 6 2/3 IP
- Faced the Reds on Sept. 8, allowing 9 base runners and 4 R (including 2 HR) in 3 2/3 IP
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Reds at Cardinals odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines updated at 8:21 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Reds -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Cardinals +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Reds -1.5 (+135) | Cardinals +1.5 (-160)
- Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Reds at Cardinals picks and predictions
Prediction
Reds 6, Cardinals 4
Moneyline
St. Louis has the edge in team analysis (based on value, clearly, and not talent), but there are some good things in Phillips’ line. However, the Cardinals are just stumbling to the finish line, phased out partly, handing out charity/tip-of-the-cap at-bats to pitchers, etc. They are a no-bet proposition at least until their first tee times next week.
PASS.
Run line/Against the spread
No interest: PASS.
Over/Under
Both teams yield more than 5 runs per game. Cincinnati was feeling it yesterday and today draws a rookie they pounded a few weeks back.
On a warmed-up day in St. Louis, BACK THE OVER 9 (-115).
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