The struggling Cincinnati Reds (2-11) return home to face the NL Central-leading St. Louis Cardinals (7-3) at Great American Ball Park. The Reds enter on a nine-game losing streak after being swept in their last three series, while the Cardinals look to continue their strong start.

Game 1 Pitching Matchup (Friday, 6:40 PM):

• Reds: Hunter Greene (1-1, 4.35 ERA, 13 Ks)
• Cardinals: Steven Matz (1-1, 0.00 ERA last start)

Key Stats:

• Cardinals: 2nd in win percentage, HRs per game, RBIs per game
• Reds: Last in MLB in win percentage, run differential, slugging percentage
• Cardinals are 4-1 ATS in last 5 games
• Reds are 0-5 ATS in last 5 games
• Both teams have hit the OVER in 2 of last 5 games

Analysis: The Cardinals' high-powered offense and solid pitching make them heavy favorites against a Reds team struggling in all phases. While the Reds could potentially steal a game behind Greene, St. Louis should win the series comfortably given the vast performance gap between these division rivals.

Prediction: Cardinals win series

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