Reds at Cardinals, Game One - Preview and Lineups

The last time the Cincinnati Reds rolled into St. Louis, the Cardinals swept ‘em in a quick three-game series at the end of April. Tonight, they make their return to Busch III, and do so with the season sitting in the balance.

They’re beat up, with each of Joey Votto, Mike Moustakas, and Nick Senzel on the shelf.

They’re clinging onto relevance in the standings, 4th in the NL Central and a full five games under .500.

It’s just about make or break time as they near the 60 game mark of this season, the calendar now saying June with the trade deadline looming. So, naturally they’ve got a rookie on the mound with a lone career big league start under his belt tonight.

Vlad Gutierrez was impressive in that start, at least, holding the Chicago Cubs to a lone run in 5 IP on a cold, blustery day at Wrigley last week. It’ll be a much different climate this time around, however, as the weather in St. Louis looks like a perfect June day, and with the iffy blood between these two clubs of late, my best guess is there are going to be some fireworks.

Of course, that Adam Wainwright is the scheduled starter for the Cardinals plays into that anticipation. As our Former Fearless Leader pointed out on Twitter earlier today, he’s not exactly been nails against the Reds in his career:

(It’s a bummer to point out that it’s been Joey Votto behind much of that, though, as our friendly Canadian has socked 4 dingers off Waino in his career.)

First pitch is set for 8:15 PM ET.

Reds Lineup