The Cincinnati Reds (56-86) and St. Louis Cardinals (84-59) open a 5-game series Friday. The contest at Busch Stadium is slated to begin at 7:45 p.m. ET. Let's analyze Tipico Sportsbook's lines around the Reds vs. Cardinals odds'with'MLB picks and predictions.
Season series: St. Louis leads 9-5
Cincinnati is coming off a 4-game home series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the Reds were swept while scoring just 8 total runs. Overall, Cincy has lost 6 games in a row and its pitchers own a 5.54 ERA over that stretch.
The Cardinals have hit their way to an 8-game lead in the NL Central by going 12-5 since Aug. 27. St. Louis has a solid .761 OPS over that stretch.