Reds at Cardinals, Game 1 - Lineups, Preview, etc.

OK, folks. It’s officially crunch time.

All the bacon’s in the pan, and it’s time to crank up the stove. Mmmmm, bacon.

The Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals are set to begin a crucial, vital, crucialvital 3-game series in Busch Stadium this evening, with both clubs eyeing the final playoff spot in the National League. As things stand this afternoon, the Reds sit a game back of the San Diego Padres for the second Wild Card spot, with the Cardinals 3.0 games back of the Pads. In other words, this series is hot damn important.

In reality, the Reds could bury the Cardinals if they show up and smack ‘em with brooms all weekend. Also realistic is the Cardinals foiling everything this season had promised to be for the Reds up until the fumbles of the last two weeks, if they pound them and leapfrog them in the standings.

It’s all on the line, folks. I’ve ‘folks-ed’ you twice already in this preview it’s so damn important.

Kyle Farmer officially hit the paternity list today as he and his wife are expecting the birth of a child any minute, and that’s absolutely tremendous. My wife and I had our first bebe earlier this year, and I am a billion percent excited for Kyle and Courtney. As a result, Jose Barrero has been activated by the Reds and will start at SS likely for this entire series. In fact, the Reds will be starting a trio of rookies on the dirt, as Jonathan India and Tyler Stephenson will join him in the lineup.

No pressure, rooks.

It’s also lefty Jon Lester on the mound for St. Louis this evening, hence the righty-heavy starting lineup. What could possibly go wrong?

Tyler Mahle will toe the rubber for the Reds in opposition. First pitch is set for 8:15 PM ET.

Reds Lineup

Birds Lineup