Votto’s Reds try to steal set from Cards
After years of bitter poundings at the hands of the Cardinals, the Reds are finally learning to fight back.
Cincinnati fell last night, 5-4, stranding the tying run at second base in the bottom of the ninth. Yet it remains in a healthy position to win this rivalry series. The two squads hold a matinee rubber match, with a 12:35 p.m. ET first pitch at Great American Ball Park.
Oddsmakers at online sports book BetDSI, however, need more proof from Bryan Price’s club. His troops represent +131 underdogs today, while St. Louis enters as a 1.5-run favorite. The over/under run total rests at nine.
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The Reds showed mettle in dispatching the Cards in the opener, 7-5, before nearly rallying to seize the middle contest. Needless to say, we’re discussing a stark contrast from seasons past. Even during Dusty Baker’s reigns, Cincy routinely failed to fend off those Gateway City menaces.
Mike Matheny will give the ball to Mike Leake, he of the impeccable command, here. The veteran righty last issued a free pass five weeks ago. He’s 8-5 with a sub.-3.00 ERA since May 10 effectively quashing any concerns about that horrendous first month.
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Price counters with Brandon Finnegan, whose most recent outing delighted team brass. The lefty twirled six shutout innings against San Diego, allowing four hits and fanning five. Finnegan faltered a bit in his previous meeting with the Cardinals, though, taking the loss on June 9.
Having spent the majority of six campaigns in the Queen City, Leake is very familiar with the homer-friendly venue there. Expect him to do everything possible to avoid engaging Joey Votto. Cincinnati’s first baseman boasts a .625 batting average in August.
THURSDAY MLB FREE PICK: CARDINALS/REDS UNDER 9 RUNS