Cardinals are the better batting team in this Game 1 of a series I think the Cardinals will dominate. They have had a rough last two stints at home (Lost series to Dodgers, Tied series with Phillies). Both those teams have better bullpens than the Reds who are bottom 15 in batting average, and worst team ERA in the MLB.

Reds are starting young hittable Hunter Greene on the mound, who is 3-10 this season, and 1-6 away from home. He holds a 5.7 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 107 Strikeouts.

Cardinals are starting Andre Pillante, who is also a young pitcher in the MLB, so there is a case to be made with the Over 8.5 runs in this matchup. Andre is 2-4 this season, 2-2 at home, with a 3.14 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, and 42 Strikeouts.

I have to side with the better batting bullpen in this matchup. Cardinals should come out hot in the Game 1 of the series.