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Cincinnati (75-76) at St. Louis (74-78)
- When: Sep 17 2025, 1:15 PM
- Where: Busch Stadium, St. Louis
- Where to watch: FDSMW
Reds vs. Cardinals – Game Betting Preview & Prediction
Moneyline: Cincinnati -118
Spread: Cincinnati -1.5 (+143)
Total: 8.5
St. Louis Cardinals Outlook
The Cardinals (74–78) enter the series finale aiming to build on Tuesday’s 3–0 shutout win over Cincinnati. Rookie infielder Thomas Saggese has been a bright spot since stepping in for the injured Masyn Winn, hitting .294 in September while flashing pop, including a two-run homer Tuesday night.
St. Louis will hand the ball to Andre Pallante (6–14, 5.34 ERA), who has struggled since moving into the rotation. Pallante is winless in his last eight starts with a bloated 7.11 ERA during that span. However, he has oddly fared well against Cincinnati, posting a 2.65 ERA in three starts this season and an excellent 2.08 ERA in 18 career appearances versus the Reds.
The Cardinals may again be without Willson Contreras, who is dealing with a tight biceps. His absence would thin out the lineup, but St. Louis hopes Saggese’s hot bat can help offset that loss.
Cincinnati Reds Outlook
The Reds (75–76) dropped Tuesday’s contest and have now lost four of their last five, a skid that has put a dent in their playoff push. They sit three games back of the Mets for the final NL wild-card slot and know every game from here is must-win territory.
Cincinnati turns to right-hander Brady Singer (13–10, 3.94 ERA), who has been one of their most reliable arms in the second half. Singer is 1–1 with a 2.25 ERA in September after a strong August, where he went 4–1 with a 2.41 ERA. He’s been stingy with hits, allowing just seven across his last 12 innings. Against the Cardinals, he has been sharp this year with a 2.50 ERA in three starts.
The Reds’ offense has cooled at the wrong time, scoring just six runs combined over the last three losses. With Singer giving them a solid chance on the mound, Cincinnati needs timely hitting to stay in the wild-card hunt.
Prediction & Betting Angle
This matchup features two pitchers with very different recent trends: Singer has been consistent and effective, while Pallante has been shaky despite past success against Cincinnati.
The Cardinals will lean on their young bats to spark momentum, but with the Reds’ urgency in the playoff chase and a steadier arm on the mound, Cincinnati looks better positioned to take the rubber match.
Score Prediction: Reds 5, Cardinals 3
Pick: Cincinnati (-118)
Total: Under 8.5 (-109)
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
