St. Louis Cardinals vs Cincinnati Reds Prediction 8/19/2026 Today’s MLB Picks

The St. Louis Cardinals and the Cincinnati Reds will meet on Wednesday night in the third game of a four‑game National League Central matchup at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio.

St. Louis Cardinals Betting Preview

The St. Louis Cardinals enter Wednesday’s contest with a 63–61 overall record (3rd in the National League Central) and a 32–28 mark on the road. The Cardinals offense has been inconsistent to this point in the season. St. Louis has compiled 558 runs scored (18th in MLB), 183 doubles, a .240 team batting average and 131 home runs which ranks 22nd in Major League Baseball.

The Cardinals arrive at tomorrow night’s game in good form. St. Louis has won four of the team’s last six games played this season, including an 11–4 victory over the Chicago Cubs two days ago.

St. Louis will turn to left hander Matthew Liberatore in this game. In 24 starts made this season, Liberatore has compiled a 5–10 win loss record, a 5.07 ERA, a 1.48 WHIP and 116 strikeouts in 112.0 innings pitched. Matthew Liberatore arrives at this contest in subpar form, allowing five earned runs or more in two of his last five starts made in 2026. Liberatore will look to stabilize his recent inconsistent performances on the mound in tomorrow’s matchup with the Cincinnati Reds.

Turning our attention to the Cardinals offense, the St. Louis lineup features outfielder Jordan Walker and first baseman Alec Burleson. Jordan Walker has compiled a .289 batting average, 24 home runs, 88 RBIs (4th in MLB) and an .845 OPS. Alec Burleson has amassed a .289 batting average, 21 home runs, 92 RBIs (1st in MLB) and an .847 OPS.                    

Cincinnati Reds Betting Preview

The Cincinnati Reds enter Wednesday night’s matchup with a 60–66 overall record (5th in the National League Central) and a 31–35 mark at home. Cincinnati has played poor baseball recently, losing four of the team’s last six games, including a 7–1 loss to the Miami Marlins last week.

Cincinnati will start right hander Chase Burns in tomorrow’s game. In 23 starts made in 2026, Burns has compiled a 14–2 record (3rd in MLB), a 2.47 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP and 151 strikeouts which ranks 16th in Major League Baseball. Burns arrives at this contest in good form, allowing one earned run or fewer in four of his last five starts made this season.

The Cincinnati Reds lineup features Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart. Shortstop Elly De La Cruz has compiled a .259 batting average, 20 home runs, 57 RBIs and an .811 OPS. First baseman Sal Stewart enters this contest with 26 home runs (14th in MLB), 53 walks, 91 RBIs (2nd in MLB) and an .804 OPS.                                       

Why the St. Louis Cardinals will win.

• Offensive balance. Alec Burleson and Jordan Walker lead the St. Louis Cardinals lineup.

• Ability to win on the road. The St. Louis Cardinals have amassed a 32-28 road record.

• Current form. The St. Louis Cardinals have won four of the team’s last six games.   

Why the Cincinnati Reds will win.

• Home field edge. Cincinnati has played competitive baseball at Great American Ball Park this season.

• Offensive balance. Sal Stewart and Elly De La Cruz provide a strong core to the Reds lineup.

• Pitching stability. Chase Burns has allowed zero earned runs in his most recent outing and carries a 2.47 ERA this season.

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Cincinnati Reds Prediction

In my view, this matchup favors the Cincinnati Reds. Why? Cincinnati starting pitcher Chase Burns arrives at this contest in good form, allowing one earned run or fewer in four of his last five starts made this season, while St. Louis hurler Matthew Liberatore arrives at this contest in subpar form, allowing five earned runs or more in two of his last five starts made in 2026. With that said, I am backing the Cincinnati Reds on the moneyline in this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Cincinnati Reds ML