NL WILD CARD Cincinnati Reds vs St Louis Cardinals LIVE MLB Chatterbox Reds

Описание: The Busch Stadium lights will illuminate one of the National League's most storied rivalries tonight as the Cincinnati Reds (75-75) face the St. Louis Cardinals (73-78) in the second game of a crucial three-game series. With first pitch set for 7:45 p.m. ET, the Reds enter as slight favorites at -121 on the moneyline, while the Cardinals sit at +101 as underdogs. The over/under is pegged at 8 runs, reflecting expectations of a competitive, potentially high-scoring affair. This matchup carries extra weight for Cincinnati, who are clinging to faint Wild Card hopes—just a few games back in a logjammed NL playoff race—while St. Louis aims to play spoiler in their push for respectability.Last night's series opener was a barnburner, with the Reds erupting for an 11-6 victory to snap a mini-slump. Cincinnati's offense, which ranks 14th in MLB with 665 runs scored this season, came alive behind timely hitting from the middle of the order. TJ Friedl, batting leadoff, went 3-for-5 with a double and two RBIs, while Spencer Steer added a homer and three RBIs to his ledger. The Reds' .246 team batting average (16th in the majors) has been inconsistent on the road (34-41 record away), but their .391 slugging percentage (19th) suggests power potential against right-handers like tonight's starter.Pivoting to the mound, the pitching duel tilts toward Cincinnati. Andrew Abbott (9-6, 2.79 ERA) takes the hill for the Reds, bringing his All-Star pedigree and pinpoint control. In 151.2 innings, Abbott boasts a 1.13 WHIP and 136 strikeouts, allowing more than two runs in just seven of 26 starts. He's been lights-out lately, surrendering one earned run over his last 15 innings. Against the Cardinals this year, Abbott has a 1-1 record with a 1.69 ERA in two starts, striking out 13 in 16 innings. His ability to induce ground balls (48% rate) should play well in spacious Busch Stadium, where the Cardinals rank 20th in home runs allowed.St. Louis counters with Michael McGreevy (6-3, 3.45 ERA overall), a promising rookie who's shown flashes but struggled at home with a 6.07 ERA in Busch. On the road, he's dominant (2.50 ERA), but facing a Reds lineup that's hit .265 against righties like him could expose vulnerabilities. McGreevy allowed one run in six innings against Cincinnati on August 30, but the Cardinals' bullpen, ranked 22nd in ERA at 4.15, might falter if he exits early. Offensively, Alec Burleson (.281 average, leading the team) and Willson Contreras (solid behind the plate) will need to exploit Abbott's occasional mistake pitches. The Cardinals' .245 team average (10th in NL) shines at home (41-34 record), but their 73-78 mark reflects deeper issues, including a 27-37 record as underdogs.Betting trends favor the Reds: They've won 30 of 58 games as -114 or better favorites (51.7%), and their offense has scored five-plus runs in 47 of 66 such contests (71.2%). St. Louis, meanwhile, has upset as underdogs 39 of 83 times (47%), but their home underdog record dips to 22-28. With Cincinnati's momentum from Monday's rout and superior starter, expect Abbott to navigate through six innings, allowing the Reds' bats—fueled by Steer and Friedl—to add 5-6 runs. The Cardinals might scratch across a couple via Burleson, but their bullpen woes could seal a 5-3 Reds win.This game isn't just about standings; it's a chapter in a rivalry dating back to 1892, with Cincinnati holding a 7-4 edge this season. Fans tuning in via Fubo or MLB.tv will witness young talent on display, from Abbott's poise to McGreevy's upside. As September wanes, the Reds' faint playoff pulse hangs in the balance— a victory here keeps the dream alive in the Queen City's quest for October.