Jul 8, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker (18) reacts after hitting a one run double against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Cardinals vs Reds Prediction 8/20/2026 Today’s MLB Picks

Pick details

MATCHUP St. Louis Cardinals Cincinnati Reds
Team Records 65-63 61-66
Spread -1.5 135 +1.5 -163
Moneyline -118 -102
Total Over 9 (-112) Under 9 (-108)
Where Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
When Thursday, August 20, 2026
Time 12:40 PM EDT
TV MLB.TV

In this article we will formulate a Cardinals vs Reds prediction for this MLB game on Thursday, August 20th at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup. 

St. Louis Cardinals Betting Preview

The St. Louis Cardinals are 65-63 this season after they split the first four games in this series by scores of 2-1, 5-6, 3-0, and 4-5. In game four, St. Louis led 2-0 in the fourth inning, but they allowed the next five runs in the close loss. The Cardinals recorded nine hits and they committed one error in the game, while they were led by Walker, who went 1-4 with one home run and two RBIs. Liberatore allowed four hits and three earned runs over 6.0 innings for the loss, while Bruihl allowed two earned runs in relief. Prior to this series, St. Louis won two out of three against the Cubs and two out of three against the Phillies. 

This season, St. Louis has a 4.01 ERA with a 1.32 WHIP and a .250 opponent batting average, while they have scored 562 runs with a .241 batting average and a .317 on base percentage. Jordan Walker has led the Cardinals with 25 home runs and 90 RBIs, while Alec Burleson has added 21 home runs and 92 RBIs. The projected starting pitcher for St. Louis is Michael McGreevy, who is 5-9 with a 3.48 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP over 132.0 innings pitched this season. 

Cincinnati Reds Betting Preview

The Cincinnati Reds are 61-66 this year after they won game four by a score of 5-4 on Wednesday night. Cincinnati led 5-2 in the eighth inning, but they allowed two runs in the ninth, before closing out the win. The Reds recorded seven hits in the game and they were led by Stewart, who went 1-3 with one home run and three RBIs. Burns allowed six hits and two earned runs over 5.0 innings, while Moll got the win and Pagan picked up the save. Prior to this series, Cincinnati lost two out of three against the Marlins, but did win two out of three against the White Sox before that. 

This season, Cincinnati has a 4.48 ERA with a 1.40 WHIP and a .246 opponent batting average, while they have scored 514 runs with a .226 batting average and a .305 on base percentage. Sal Stewart has led the Reds with 27 home runs and 94 RBIs, while Elly De La Cruz has added 20 home runs and 57 RBIs. The projected starting pitcher for Cincinnati is Brady Singer, who is 5-11 with a 4.66 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP over 125.2 innings pitched this year. 

Why the Cincinnati Reds will win

  • The Cardinals have lost five of their last six day games against NL Central opponents following a road loss.
  • The Reds have covered the run line in each of their last three day games against NL Central opponents.

Why the St. Louis Cardinals will win

  • The Cardinals have won each of their last six day games after playing the previous day.
  • The Reds have lost seven of their last eight home games against National League opponents following a home win.
  • The Reds have failed to cover the run line in each of their last seven home games following a win.
  • The Cardinals have covered the run line in each of their last six games following a loss.
  • The Reds have trailed after 5 innings in each of their last four home games.

Total Runs Facts

  • Each of the Reds’ last three day games against National League opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
  • There has been at least one run scored in the first inning in nine of Michael McGreevy’s last 10 appearances as a starter.
  • There has been no run scored during the first inning in each of Brady Singer’s last four home appearances as a starter.

Cincinnati Reds Player Prop Facts

  • Sal Stewart has recorded at least one hit in each of the Reds’ last nine home games against NL Central opponents that held a winning record.
  • Brady Singer has recorded five or more strikeouts in 13 of his last 15 appearances in day games.
  • Sal Stewart has hit a home run in each of the Reds’ last four Thursday day games against opponents that held a winning record.

St. Louis Cardinals Player Prop Facts

  • Jordan Walker has recorded at least one hit in each of the Cardinals’ last 10 games against opponents that held a losing record.
  • Michael McGreevy has recorded five or more strikeouts in four of his last five road appearances against NL opponents.
  • Jordan Walker has hit a home run in three of the Cardinals’ last six road games against the Reds.

Cardinals vs Reds Prediction

Cincinnati was able to tie the series at two with the win on Wednesday and they will look for the rare five game series win here. The Reds are 32-35 at home this year, while the Cardinals are 33-29 on the road. St. Louis has won three of their last five games, but they have allowed 5+ runs in two of their last three. The Cardinals are starting McGreevy, who has allowed 0, 3, 2, 7, and 4 earned runs in his last five starts, while Singer has allowed 3+ earned runs in five straight outings. Take the over here.

David Racey's Pick: Over 9

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