The Cincinnati Reds return to Great American Ball Park on April 30, 2025, brimming with confidence as they prepare to face the struggling St. Louis Cardinals in the third game of a divisional set. Riding the momentum of a strong stretch that has seen them go 5-2 against the spread in their last seven games, the Reds have carved out a reputation as one of the more exciting and tenacious young teams in the National League. Their combination of speed, power, and emerging pitching talent has energized the fanbase and given manager David Bell a variety of options to work with each night. On the mound for this matchup is Andrew Abbott, the talented left-hander who has begun to find his stride after an uneven start to the year. Abbott’s improved command and increased reliance on his changeup and slider have made him more effective against right-handed hitters, which will be critical against a Cardinals lineup anchored by righties like Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado. Abbott’s ability to keep hitters off balance early and generate soft contact has been a key to his recent success, and the Reds will hope he can deliver another quality start against a team that’s struggled to generate offense on the road. Offensively, the Reds have been fueled by the electric play of Elly De La Cruz, whose ability to impact the game in multiple ways—power, speed, and defensive range—has made him a foundational piece of Cincinnati’s youth movement. His presence atop the order sets the tone, and when he gets on base, the Reds’ chances of scoring spike dramatically thanks to his aggressive base running and knack for creating havoc.

Alongside him, Spencer Steer, Matt McLain, and Jake Fraley have provided timely hitting and clutch performances, giving the Reds a balanced and productive offense. Even more encouraging is their ability to string together innings with patience and situational awareness, rather than relying solely on home runs to generate scoring. Against a Cardinals team that’s been prone to defensive lapses and bullpen collapses, the Reds will look to keep pressure on by working deep counts and forcing mistakes. Their discipline at the plate and aggression on the basepaths have become hallmarks of this team’s identity and will again be emphasized as they look to build a lead early. Defensively, the Reds have shown marked improvement, turning double plays cleanly, executing relays with precision, and limiting second-chance opportunities for opponents. That tightening of defensive fundamentals has been especially helpful in games where the pitching staff faces early jams, allowing the team to stay composed and weather storms without letting innings spiral out of control. The bullpen, once a major question mark, has stabilized in recent weeks, with Alexis Díaz continuing to lock down the ninth inning and middle relievers like Lucas Sims and Fernando Cruz stepping up in high-leverage situations. For the Reds, this game represents a prime opportunity to capitalize on a divisional rival’s recent slide and continue building their case as serious contenders in the NL Central. With home-field advantage, a strong starter on the mound, and a hungry lineup that feeds off energy and opportunity, Cincinnati has all the pieces in place to secure a win and keep their momentum rolling. A victory here would not only extend their lead over the Cardinals but also reinforce the notion that the Reds are no longer a team of the future—they’re a legitimate force in the present.