Reds vs Cardinals Prediction 18 August 2026
📡 After Monday’s doubleheader, both teams are back in action almost immediately. St. Louis edged the opener 2-1, while Cincinnati bounced back in the nightcap with a 6-5 victory in the tenth inning. This packed schedule is especially taxing on the bullpens, and the Reds were already dealing with depth issues on the mound before the twin bill. Tuesday’s matchup is set to feature Kyle Leahy taking on Andrew Abbott.
Head-to-Head
📊 After splitting the doubleheader, St. Louis maintain a slight edge in their last 10 head-to-head matchups, claiming six wins to four. The Cardinals have taken four of six meetings across the June and July stretch, and on Monday, the sides once again traded victories. This remains a competitive rivalry, but over a longer period, the visitors hold a modest advantage.
Head-to-head statistics Reds - Cardinals
Cincinnati Reds Team Overview
The Reds pulled off a dramatic comeback in the evening game, sparked by Dane Myers’ game-tying home run with two outs in the ninth, before Elly De La Cruz sealed the win with a double in the tenth. However, it was a tough night for the pitching staff. Cincinnati’s relievers were already under heavy workload heading into the doubleheader, and five games in four days have further limited the manager’s options late in games.
Match Results: Cincinnati Reds
St. Louis Cardinals Team Overview
The Cardinals let the evening game slip away, despite leading 4-1 and later reclaiming a 5-4 advantage. Their offense still produced plenty of chances: Jordan Walker wrapped up the two-game set with five hits in nine at-bats, while Ivan Herrera homered. Heading into the doubleheader, St. Louis were also enjoying a solid run of form, so losing in the tenth inning hardly signals a sudden downturn for their bats.
Match Results: St. Louis Cardinals
⚾ Projected Starting Pitchers
Kyle Leahy is slated to take the mound for St. Louis. In his previous outing, he held Philadelphia to just one run over five innings, improving his season record to 9-4. The start before that, Leahy allowed two runs across five frames, making it eight consecutive appearances in which he’s surrendered no more than two runs.
Andrew Abbott is expected to start for Cincinnati. The left-hander owns a 5-6 record with a 3.85 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP over 117 innings. His home splits are particularly notable: Abbott’s ERA at Great American Ball Park sits at 5.08, significantly higher than his overall mark. Following a doubleheader, a short outing from Abbott would be especially problematic for the Reds, given the extra strain it would put on their bullpen.
⭐ Editor's Pick
Cincinnati secured an emotional win in a late-night contest, but yesterday’s doubleheader leaves the hosts in a tough spot heading into Game 3 of the series. Abbott has been far less reliable at home, and the Reds’ bullpen already entered this five-game stretch with heavy workloads. On the other side, Leahy consistently holds opponents to two runs or fewer and comes into this matchup fresh off a victory over Philadelphia’s potent lineup. St. Louis have taken six of the last ten head-to-head meetings and boast a more favorable pitching setup for Tuesday. We’re backing a St. Louis Cardinals win.
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Betting Tips: Cincinnati Reds - St. Louis Cardinals
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