The St. Louis Cardinals head into tonight's clash with the Cincinnati Reds as a -113 moneyline favorite at Great American Ball Park, with first pitch scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET.
With Kyle Leahy in impressive form, my Cardinals vs. Reds predictions expect St. Louis to come out on top.
Read more in my MLB picks for Tuesday, Aug. 18.
Who will win Cardinals vs Reds today: Cardinals moneyline (-116)
Kyle Leahy continues to throw the ball well for the St. Louis Cardinals. He owns a 2.55 FIP across his last five starts, allowing just 0.64 BB/9 and 0.94 HR/9 while consistently pounding the strike zone.
He’s also facing a Cincinnati Reds offense in horrible shape. Cincinnati has posted a 64 wRC+ across its last eight games with a .140 ISO.
As for Andrew Abbott, his 4.50 xERA over the last month is manageable, but the lefty has struggled with command, walking 5.14 hitters per nine innings. The Cardinals are also swinging it well with a 105 wRC+ over the last week.
St. Louis has the edge on the mound and at the dish.
Play this pick to -130.
COVERS INTEL: The Cardinals have been slightly better against left-handed pitching, posting a 98 wRC+ compared to a 95 mark vs. right-handers. That gives St. Louis a small matchup boost against Abbott.
Cardinals vs Reds Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (-103)
The Under is looking like the play here. Cincinnati is struggling offensively, and Leahy is in strong enough form to take advantage. The Cardinals’ bullpen has also held its own, posting a 4.06 FIP over the last week.
The Cards may be doing more at the plate, but they will have it tough once Abbott departs. Cincinnati’s relief corps is dealing, owning a 3.29 FIP over its last 29 2/3 frames. The Reds have limited the long ball during that span, too.
With Cincinnati’s lineup ice cold and both bullpens capable of limiting damage, this contest should stay relatively low-scoring.
Play this pick to -120.
- ML/RL bets: 50-64, -21.47 units
- Over/Under bets: 63-48, +6.04 units
Cardinals vs Reds weather
Weather at Great American Ball Park looks excellent tonight, with clear skies and temperatures falling from 79°F to 72°F through the evening. Winds are extremely light around 1–3 mph, and rain chances sit at 0%. Conditions should be clean and neutral, with no delay concern or major weather impact.
Cardinals vs Reds odds
- Moneyline: Cardinals -113 | Reds +108
- Run line: Cardinals -1.5 (+144) | Reds +1.5 (-150)
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-104) | Under 8.5 (-100)
Cardinals vs Reds trend
The Reds have hit the Under in 29 of their last 50 games (+7.10 Units / 13% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Cardinals vs. Reds.
How to watch Cardinals vs Reds and game info
| Location | Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, OH |
| Date | Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026 |
| First pitch | 6:40 p.m. ET |
| TV | Cardinals.TV, Reds.TV |
| Cardinals starting pitcher | Kyle Leahy (9-4, 3.38 ERA) |
| Reds starting pitcher | Andrew Abbott (6-7, 4.13 ERA) |
Cardinals vs Reds latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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