Reds vs Cardinals: Preview, pitching matchups and prediction

The Reds season faces a crossroads as they visit the Gateway to the West and the Cardinals.

The next season of American Horror Stories could very well be the Cincinnati Reds (10-12) playing the St. Louis Cardinals on an endless loop as far as Reds Country is concerned. Since 2007, the Redlegs have captured the season series from the Redbirds only once.  That’s not a misprint.  One time.

To say the Cardinals have owned the Reds would be an insult to St. Louis. To put it in perspective, the last pitcher who secured the victory to give the Reds a season series advantage over the Cardinals was Jose Arrendondo. In other words, it’s been a while.

Last night’s doubleheader in Kansas City was a microcosm of the Reds 2020 season to date. Shutout in the first game, the Reds didn’t collect their first base hit until the sixth inning of a seven-inning contest. Even though they were only assessed one error, Reds Country has been holding their collective breath every time a ball is put in into play.

However, in the nightcap, the Reds looked like world-beaters. They smacked four home runs and Trevor Bauer allowed one hit over seven innings as they coasted to a 5-0 win. The only constant for the 2020 Reds has been inconsistency.

It’s not hyperbole to say the next week may hold the key to the Cincinnati Reds season. Their next eight games are on the road against division rivals St. Louis and Milwaukee. A disastrous road trip could doom the 2020 Reds before we hit September.