Cardinals Look to Bounce Back After Rare Slip Against Overmatched Reds

The Cardinals rolled into Cincinnati having owned the Reds all season long—7-2 in the series before last night's 5-4 hiccup—and they're still the right side Thursday despite that stumble. Michael McGreevy takes the ball with a solid 3.48 ERA and 1.22 WHIP, a clear upgrade over Cincinnati's Brady Singer, who's been getting shelled to the tune of a 4.66 ERA and bloated 1.44 WHIP. Singer's simply not good enough to hold down a St. Louis lineup that's been scorching hot, averaging five runs per game over their last 15 with Alec Burleson swinging an .850 OPS bat in the heart of the order.

The Cardinals are 10-5 in their last 15 games for a reason—they're hitting, pitching, and winning the games they're supposed to win. The Reds, meanwhile, are limping along at 3.13 runs per game over the same stretch with multiple regulars sporting sub-.700 OPS numbers. Great American Ball Park plays hitter-friendly, sure, but McGreevy's been reliable and this Cardinals squad has proven they can win in this building.

DarkHorse likes the Cardinals moneyline at moderate confidence, and it's hard to argue. St. Louis should get right back on track against an inferior arm and a lineup that can't keep pace.