Game Details:
Matchup: Reds vs Cardinals
Date & Time: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 | 7:45 PM ET
Venue: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO
Betting Line: Cardinals -1.5 | Over/Under: 8.0
Key Storylines
Wild Card Implications: As the NL Central race heats up, tonight’s matchup carries major weight in the Wild Card standings. The Cardinals are clinging to a slim lead, while the Reds are right on their heels, looking to spoil the party late in the season.
Series Momentum: This is game two of a pivotal three-game set between these division rivals. The Cardinals took game one behind a strong outing from Sonny Gray, while the Reds will be looking to bounce back tonight with their bats waking up after a slow start.
Pitching Matchup: The Reds are expected to send right-hander Hunter Greene (9-9, 3.86 ERA) to the mound, while the Cardinals counter with veteran lefty Steven Matz (7-7, 4.21 ERA). Greene’s high-octane fastball will be tested against a disciplined St. Louis lineup, while Matz will need to navigate a right-handed heavy Reds offense.
Injury Report
Reds:
Out: Matt McLain (oblique), TJ Friedl (wrist)
Questionable: Jake Fraley (hamstring)
Cardinals:
Out: Nolan Gorman (back), Ryan Helsley (elbow)
Questionable: Lars Nootbaar (shoulder)
Betting Trends
- Reds are 4-6 in their last 10 games.
- Cardinals are 7-3 in their last 10, trending up as they push for the playoffs.
- The total has gone over in 6 of Cincinnati’s last 9 games.
- The total has gone under in 5 of St. Louis’s last 7 home games.
Player Prop to Watch
Elly De La Cruz (Reds) – Total Bases: 1.5
With McLain and Friedl out, De La Cruz becomes the centerpiece of the Reds attack. He’s been heating up in September and offers solid value on the over in total bases.
Paul Goldschmidt (Cardinals) – Home Runs: 0.5
Goldy has had success off Greene in past matchups and is always a threat at home. A deep shot could be in the cards tonight.
Prediction & Best Bets
Spread: Cardinals -1.5 → With Greene’s inconsistency and the Cardinals surging, taking the home team on the run line offers decent value.
Total: Under 8.0 → This has the makings of a low-scoring pitchers’ duel, especially if both starters can handle the top halves of the opposing lineups.
Player Prop: Elly De La Cruz Over 1.5 Total Bases → Expect him to lead the Reds’ offense with extra-base potential on display.
Final Score Prediction: Cardinals 4, Reds 2