Daniel Matthews
Updated on: October 10, 2024 6:24 am GMT
Cardinals Seek Redemption Against Reds in Crucial Series Opener
As the Cincinnati Reds (70-75) face off against the St. Louis Cardinals (72-71) on September 10, 2024, at Busch Stadium, baseball fans are ready for an exciting showdown. The first pitch is at 7:45 p.m. ET, with both teams aiming to improve their standings in a tightly contested playoff race. This three-game series marks a critical point in the season, especially as the Reds currently lead the season series 6-4.
Recent Performance and Current Form
Heading into the matchup, the Reds are on a positive trajectory, winning two consecutive games and six out of their last eight. Their momentum was bolstered by a hard-fought 1-0 victory against the Atlanta Braves. Right-handed pitcher Nick Martinez excelled in that game, delivering seven shutout innings, allowing only two hits while striking out five batters. However, the Reds are facing challenges, particularly with shortstop Elly De La Cruz struggling at the plate, having hit just .200 with 15 strikeouts in September.
On the other side, the Cardinals are looking to bounce back after a disappointing series against the Seattle Mariners, where they lost two out of three games, including a lackluster 10-4 defeat on Sunday. Right-handed pitcher Miles Mikolas had a tough outing, allowing seven runs early in the game. With their playoff hopes dwindling, sitting 6.5 games out of the Wild Card spot, the pressure is on St. Louis to perform.
Pitching Matchup: Rhett Lowder vs. Andre Pallante
The game features a compelling pitching matchup between Rhett Lowder and Andre Pallante. Lowder will be making his third career start, and he comes in with an impressive 0.87 ERA over 10.1 innings pitched, despite a 0-1 record. He has recorded 8 walks and 9 strikeouts during this period, showcasing his potential but also some control issues with a WHIP of 1.386.
In contrast, Pallante has been a reliable option for the Cardinals. With a 6-7 record and a 4.07 ERA, he has pitched effectively in recent months, particularly against the Reds, having thrown 11.1 shutout innings in two starts this season. His ability to limit damage early in games will be essential for the Cardinals if they aim to secure a victory.
Offensive Breakdown
The Reds have been a mixed bag on offense this season. They are currently averaging 4.5 runs per game, ranking 15th in the league. With a team batting average of .233 and 1,306 strikeouts, their offensive consistency can be misleading. However, they have shown promise with 237 doubles and 164 homers. Defensively, their pitching staff has a combined ERA of 4.11, resulting in 608 RBIs and a WHIP of 1.25 this season.
The Cardinals have experienced their own challenges at the plate, earning 4.14 runs per game, placing 24th in Major League Baseball. Their offense includes 221 doubles and 147 home runs, but a team batting average of .247 and 1,172 strikeouts reveal struggles to make consistent contact. Their pitching has also been a concern, with a team ERA of 4.18 and a WHIP of 1.270. Nevertheless, their defense has been strong, recording a .987 fielding percentage, showcasing significant effectiveness when it comes to limiting opponents.
Betting Odds and Predictions
In terms of sports betting, the Cardinals enter the matchup as favorites at -130. Given Pallante’s recent performance against the Reds and the inconsistency of Lowder, many analysts are leaning toward a Cardinals victory. Additionally, a bet on Elly De La Cruz for over 0.5 stolen bases could be promising as the Cardinals have struggled with throwing out base stealers all season.
The weather forecast indicates a warm evening with temperatures around 85 degrees and a light breeze blowing from right to left field, which could impact gameplay conditions. Recent trends suggest leaning toward the under on a total set at 8 runs, as the last ten meetings have resulted in 3 unders and 7 overs.
Looking Ahead
With the postseason looming, every game counts for both the Reds and the Cardinals. The outcome of this series could have significant implications for their playoff ambitions. Reds fans hope for a continuation of their recent success, while Cardinals supporters look for a turnaround against a divisional rival. Tune in to watch what promises to be an intriguing matchup at Busch Stadium.
If you want to learn more about the MLB season, check out USA Today Sports Scores for the latest news and updates on baseball.
