Pick details
| MATCHUP | Cincinnati Reds | St. Louis Cardinals |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 31-30 | 32-28 |
| Spread | +1.5 -181 | -1.5 149 |
| Moneyline | +113 | -136 |
| Total | Over 9 (-119) | Under 9 (-101) |
| Where | Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri | |
| When | Friday, June 5, 2026 | |
| Time | 08:15 PM EDT | |
| TV | MLB.TV | |
Cincinnati Reds Betting Preview
The Cincinnati Reds enter Friday’s contest with a 31–30 overall record (5th in the National League Central) and a 15–14 mark on the road. The Reds offense has struggled this season. Let me be more specific. Cincinnati has compiled 264 runs scored (18th in MLB), 98 doubles, 77 home runs and a .229 team batting average which ranks a rather low 27th in Major League Baseball.The Reds arrive at tomorrow’s game in below average form. Cincinnati has lost five of the team’s last seven games played this season, including a dominant 9–2 victory over the Kansas City Royals three days ago.
Cincinnati will turn to right hander Brady Singer in this contest. In eleven starts made this season, Singer has compiled a 2–5 win‑loss record, a 6.18 ERA, a 1.69 WHIP and 36 strikeouts, while allowing 70 hits and 16 walks in 61.1 innings pitched. Singer will look to establish more positive results on the mound in tomorrow’s matchup with the St. Louis Cardinals.
The Reds lineup relies on Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart, both of whom remain central to Cincinnati’s offensive production. De La Cruz has compiled a .280 batting average, 12 home runs, 37 RBIs, 10 stolen bases and an .855 OPS. Third baseman Sal Stewart enters this contest with a .258 batting average, 12 home runs, 37 RBIs and an .818 OPS.
St. Louis Cardinals Betting Preview
The St. Louis Cardinals enter Friday night’s matchup with a 32–28 overall record (2nd in the National League Central) and a 16–16 mark at home. St. Louis arrives at this contest in subpar form. The Cardinals have lost seven of the team’s last ten games played this season, including a 6–1 defeat to the Chicago Cubs last week.St. Louis will start right hander Kyle Leahy in Friday’s game. In eleven starts made this season, Leahy has compiled a 5–3 record, a 4.25 ERA, a 1.56 WHIP and 46 strikeouts, while allowing 64 hits and 22 walks in 55 innings pitched.
Shifting our focus to the St. Louis offense, the Cardinals lineup features outfielder Jordan Walker and first baseman Alec Burleson. Jordan Walker has compiled a .291 batting average (19th in MLB), 15 home runs (10th in MLB), 11 doubles, 44 RBIs (6th in MLB) and an .892 OPS. Alec Burleson has amassed a .287 batting average, 7 home runs, 42 RBIs (13th in MLB) and a .795 OPS.
Why the Cincinnati Reds will win.
• Starting pitching advantage. In eleven starts made this season, Brady Singer has compiled a 2–5 win‑loss record, a 6.18 ERA, a 1.69 WHIP and 36 strikeouts in 61.1 innings pitched.• Offensive upside. Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart lead the Cincinnati Reds lineup.
• Enhanced motivation. The Cincinnati Reds have lost five of the team’s last seven games played.
Why the St. Louis Cardinals will win.
• Home field edge. The St. Louis Cardinals have compiled a 16-16 record at home.• Quality starting pitching. In eleven starts made this season, Kyle Leahy has compiled a 5–3 record, a 4.25 ERA, a 1.56 WHIP and 46 strikeouts in 55 innings pitched.
• Offensive stability. Jordan Walker and Alec Burleson provide the St. Louis lineup with consistent production.
Cincinnati Reds vs. St. Louis Cardinals Prediction
In my opinion, this matchup favors the St. Louis Cardinals. St. Louis starting pitcher Kyle Leahy has amassed a 5-3 record and a 1.56 WHIP, while Cincinnati hurler Brady Singer has struggled at times in 2026, compiling a 2-5 record and an abysmal 6.18 ERA which is a concern when facing a formidable Cardinals lineup playing at home. With that said, I am backing the St. Louis Cardinals on the moneyline in this game.Hans Geevers's Pick: Cincinnati Reds ML
