Cards seek matinee triumph against Reds
With the Cardinals in the unusual position of trying to salvage a series finale against Cincinnati, at least they’ve got the right man on the mound.
The electrifying Carlos Martinez takes the assignment in this afternoon’s contest, with a 1:10 p.m. ET first pitch at Great American Ball Park. Handicappers at online sports book BetDSI like the visitors as 1.5-run favorites. Conversely, the Reds are considered +165 underdogs. The over/under run figure rests at 8.5.
Bryan Price’s club pulverized St. Louis yesterday afternoon, 9-1, tagging reliever Jerome Williams for five runs in the ninth inning alone. The Redbirds’ much-ballyhooed offense, with the exception of a couple of solo homers, has also been lifeless all weekend. Cincinnati hurlers have limited the opposition to a .186 batting average through 18 innings.
Rookie Tim Adleman simply wants to keep the momentum going shortly. The 28-year-old is 1-1 with a 3.94 ERA in three starts since being recalled from Class AAA Louisville on Aug. 16. Most recently, he limited the Angels to three runs and seven hits across seven innings.
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On the other side, Martinez guns for his fifth victory in as many career appearances vs. the Reds. The 2015 All-Star went 2-1 with a 3.38 ERA last month. No National League has induced as many double-play grounders as Martinez’s 28.
Also working in the flamethrowing righty’s favor is the fact that Yadier Molina will be back following a one-game respite. The catcher’s hitting at a .352 clip over his past 22 contests. Look for the Cards to ride him to a much-needed triumph in Ohio.
SUNDAY MLB FREE PICK: CARDINALS -1.5