Game Details:
Matchup: Cardinals vs. Reds
Date & Time: Sunday, August 31, 2025 | 7:10 PM ET
Venue: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, OH
Betting Line: Reds -1.5 | Over/Under: 9.0
Key Storylines
Pennant Pressure Building
As we enter the final month of the MLB regular season, both the Cardinals and Reds find themselves in the thick of the NL Central race. The outcome of this critical divisional clash could help shape the playoff picture, especially in a division that remains tightly contested.
Season Series
The Reds currently lead the season series 7-5 against the Cardinals with tonight’s game being a pivotal rubber match that could swing future tiebreakers heading into October. Cincinnati has been dominant at home in these matchups, winning 4 of 5 against St. Louis at Great American Ball Park this season.
Injury Report
Cardinals:
Out: Lars Nootbaar (oblique), Steven Matz (shoulder)
Questionable: Nolan Arenado (back tightness)
Reds:
Out: Hunter Greene (elbow), Christian Encarnacion-Strand (wrist)
Day-to-Day: Elly De La Cruz (knee soreness), expected to play
Betting Trends
- Cardinals: 29-36 ATS on the road this season
- Reds: 35-28 ATS at home
- Over has hit in 7 of the last 10 meetings between these teams
- Cardinals’ games have gone over in 10 of their last 14 overall
Pitching Matchup
Cardinals: Miles Mikolas (9-9, 4.28 ERA)
Reds: Andrew Abbott (11-6, 3.91 ERA)
Mikolas has had a turbulent year, struggling with command and consistency. Abbott, meanwhile, continues to be a steady arm for the Reds at home, where he holds a 3.12 ERA.
Player Prop to Watch
Elly De La Cruz (Reds) – Stolen Bags Total: 0.5
De La Cruz is among the league leaders in steals and will look to take advantage of Mikolas’ slow delivery. The over on stolen bases offers solid value if he gets on base early.
Paul Goldschmidt (Cardinals) – Hits + Runs + RBIs: 2.5
Goldy has hit well against the Reds this year and could be a difference-maker with Arenado possibly sidelined.
Prediction & Best Bets
Spread: Reds -1.5 → At home with better pitching, the Reds have the edge.
Total: Over 9.0 → These teams have made a habit of high-scoring affairs.
Player Prop: Elly De La Cruz Over 0.5 stolen bases → Speed threat with high upside.
Expect a tightly contested divisional battle with playoff implications on the line. Cincinnati’s strong home record and more reliable bullpen should help them squeak out a win.
Final Score Prediction: Reds 6, Cardinals 4