Hot-hitting Nolan Arenado will be looking to extend his 12-game hitting streak as the St. Louis Cardinals (21-27) match up against the Cincinnati Reds (19-27) at Great American Ball Park on Monday to open a four-game series. The Cardinals are embarking on a seven-game road trip after closing out a successful seven-game homestand (5-2).
They won three out of four in their last series against the Dodgers, taking the finale 10-5 on Sunday at Busch Stadium. Paul DeJong was 2 for 3 with a home run, four runs, and four RBIs. Arenado went 3 for 4 with a double and three runs.
The Reds are in the midst of a seven-game homestand. They are coming off a three-game sweep at the hands of the Yankees, dropping the finale 4-1 on Sunday at Great American Ball Park for their fourth straight loss. Spencer Steer went 2 for 4 with a double and one RBI.
The teams are meeting for the first time this season. The Cardinals won the 2022 season series between the NL Central rivals (12-7), including three out of five in their most recent meeting at Busch Stadium in September.
ON THE MOUND
Jordan Montgomery (2-6, 4.11 ERA) is slated to take the mound for St. Louis. The left-hander allowed three runs over 5.1 innings in his last start, a 3-2 road defeat against the Brewers on Tuesday. He was charged with the loss, scattering eight hits while striking out seven and walking one.
Montgomery made one start against the Reds in 2022, a 3-0 home loss on September 18. He surrendered three runs on seven hits over 5.1 innings, striking out nine and walking two.
For Cincinnati, LHP Brandon Williamson (0-0, ERA) gets the start. In his last start on Tuesday, Williamson took a no-decision on the road against the Rockies. He threw 5.2 innings and gave up one run on two hits, striking out six and walking two in the 3-1 win.
AT THE PLATE
The St. Louis offense is averaging 5.1 runs per game for the season, with a slash line of .261/.333/.439. Nolan Gorman leads the team in OPS at 1.032. The second baseman is slashing .302/.391/.640 with 13 home runs, 39 RBIs, and 19 runs over 42 games.
Over the last five games, though, St. Louis has averaged 7.0 runs a game partially thanks to increased slugging (.481). Against southpaws like Williamson this season, the Cards have a .782 OPS. Arenado is the team’s most potent producer against left-handers with a 1.081 OPS in 34 at-bats.
Cincinnati is slashing .244/.323/.374 for the season and averaging 4.2 runs per game. Jake Fraley leads the team with ann .822 OPS. The center fielder has five home runs, 32 RBIs, and 16 runs scored with a slash line of .276/.375/.447. Cincinnati is averaging only 3.2 runs per game in the last five with their slash line slipping across the board (.215/.316/.319).
The Reds have a .694 OPS against left-handers in 2023. With a .795 OPS over 39 at-bats, Kevin Newman has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
St. Louis is on a three-game winning streak away from Busch Stadium, bringing their record to 10-12 in 2023. The Cards have scored 4.2 runs per game away from home, while allowing 4.3 runs. Cincinnati has lost three in a row in front of their home fans.
The Reds are 12-12 at home this season, averaging 4.6 runs per game while surrendering 5.6. The teams have split their last 10 games at Great American Ball Park, though Cincinnati has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 4.8-4.5.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Cardinals are fourth in the NL Central, five games behind the division-leading Brewers. The Reds are fifth in the NL Central, five games behind the Brewers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
St.Louis Cardinals (-190)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
