Date: June 9, 2023
Time: 8:15 PM
Location: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
The Cincinnati Reds (29-33) will face off against the St. Louis Cardinals (26-37) at Busch Stadium. ESPN’s analytics point to a slight edge for the Cardinals, who have a 56.9% chance of coming out on top.
Starting Pitchers:
Taking the mound for the Reds will be right-handed pitcher Ben Lively (3-3, 3.03 ERA, 1.01 WHIP). Lively has thrown for 29.2 innings this season, striking out 29, walking 8, and surrendering 5 home runs.
Opposing him will be the Cardinals’ left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery (2-7, 4.23 ERA, 1.39 WHIP). In his 66 innings, Montgomery has managed 60 strikeouts, allowed 18 walks and 8 home runs.
Star Players:
The Reds’ lineup is highlighted by Spencer Steer, who boasts 8 home runs and 32 RBIs, along with a .291 batting average, while Jake Fraley has contributed significantly with 38 RBIs.
For the Cardinals, Nolan Gorman has shone with 14 home runs and 44 RBIs, maintaining a .264 batting average. The team’s best in batting average, though, is Paul Goldschmidt, batting at .286.
Key Stats:
In terms of team stats, the Reds hold an advantage in batting average (.256 to .249), and OBP (.334 to .323), but the Cardinals are ahead in home runs (85 to 51) and SLG (.422 to .396). However, both teams have a similar ERA (5.02 to 4.23) and WHIP (1.44 to 1.44), suggesting a closely matched game.
Looking at recent form, the Reds have won three of their last five games, whereas the Cardinals have just one victory in their previous five matchups.
Prediction:
The Cardinals might be the favorites according to ESPN’s analytics, but with their recent form and the Reds’ stronger batting average and OBP, the game could go either way. In the unpredictable world of baseball, anything could happen come game time. The Reds have been playing red hot baseball lately and that will make the difference in this game here 7-4.
