Prop Bets: St. Louis Cardinals VS Cincinnati Reds 2025-08-31
Reds vs. Cardinals: A Tale of Two "Almosts"
The Cincinnati Reds (-136) and St. Louis Cardinals (+120) clash in a snoozer of a matchup where "almost" might be the only thing both teams have in common. The Reds, with their 4.5-run-per-game offense and 3.85 ERA, are the slight favorites, but don’t expect a fireworks show. Brady Singer (4.06 ERA, 132 Ks in 137 IP) will start for Cincinnati, while Andre Pallante (4.29 ERA) toes the rubber for St. Louis. The implied total of 8.5 runs suggests this could be a pitcher’s duel, and with the Reds’ 23rd-ranked offense facing Pallante’s 5.5-strikeout-under prop (-125), it’s a recipe for a nap.
Key Props to Bet Like Your Job Depends on It
- Elly De La Cruz (Reds): The 19-HR slugger is priced at +200 to go deep. With a .273 average and 19 HRs, he’s the only reason to stay awake.
- Willson Contreras (Cardinals): At +250 for a HR, the 27-year-old catcher might finally end his 10-game HR drought.
- Brady Singer (Reds): The underdog in strikeouts (5.5 Ks, -125) has 132 Ks in 137 IP. If he’s sharp, you’ll be eating humble pie and hot dogs.
Why the Reds Win
Cincinnati’s 51.7% win rate when favored (30-28) edges out St. Louis’ 47.9% (35-38). Singer’s 4.06 ERA isn’t great, but it’s better than Pallante’s 4.29. The Reds’ 133 HRs (24th) vs. the Cardinals’ 129 HRs (27th)? A tie in mediocrity.
Why the Cardinals Might Not Lose
The Cards’ 4.29 ERA is 10th-best, but their .247 team average? Ugh. They’ll need Contreras (19 HRs) to go nuclear, but his 1.5 HR prop is a +350 long shot.
Final Prediction
This game will be like a lukewarm grilled cheese—bland but not terrible. The Reds win 4-2, Singer pitches into the 6th, and De La Cruz’s HR prop hits. Take the Reds (-136) and fade the "almost" Cardinals. And if you bet on the Under 8.5 (-110), you’ll at least sleep better.
“Baseball: where 9 innings of 4.5 runs feels like a thriller.” 🎩⚾
Created: Aug. 31, 2025, 2:50 p.m. GMT