The Cincinnati Reds enter the series finale against the St. Louis Cardinals with a 16–15 record and the opportunity to close out a key early-season divisional series with a win at Great American Ball Park. Holding a 2–1 edge in the four-game set, the Reds have leaned on a potent, high-energy offense and timely pitching to gain the upper hand, and they’ll now hand the ball to left-hander Andrew Abbott, who has emerged as one of the club’s more reliable starters. Abbott comes into the game with a 2–0 record and a 3.60 ERA, utilizing sharp command and an evolving mix of pitches to neutralize opposing hitters through six starts this season. He’s been especially effective at home, working deep into games and giving his team a chance to win in nearly every outing. The Reds’ lineup has been the engine behind their early-season success, averaging 5.28 runs per game and posting 33 home runs—solidifying their status as one of the more dangerous lineups in the National League. Elly De La Cruz has been a dynamic presence at the top of the order, combining raw speed, power, and defensive athleticism to impact games in multiple ways, while Spencer Steer, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and Jonathan India have provided timely hits and depth throughout the lineup.

One of the Reds’ biggest strengths has been their ability to apply pressure on the basepaths, where aggressive running has led to extra bases, defensive mistakes, and disrupted rhythms for opposing pitchers. However, defensive inconsistency remains an area of concern—Cincinnati has committed 17 errors already this season, and those miscues have occasionally undercut strong offensive performances. With a relatively young roster, the challenge remains consistency on the defensive side and finishing games cleanly, especially against a Cardinals team capable of capitalizing on lapses. The bullpen has also been tested early this year, and while closer Alexis Díaz continues to provide late-inning stability, the bridge from starter to closer has been uneven, prompting manager David Bell to experiment with matchups and roles. To secure the series, the Reds will need Abbott to deliver at least six strong innings and the offense to strike early to alleviate late-game pressure. Containing St. Louis’s hot bats, particularly Lars Nootbaar and Nolan Arenado, will be a priority, and Cincinnati’s infield defense must tighten up to support their young starter. With the NL Central shaping up to be fiercely competitive, each divisional game carries increased weight, and the Reds have the chance to not only take the series but establish early-season legitimacy as contenders. A win here would keep them above .500 and send a strong message that their youth-driven roster is capable of both creating excitement and producing results. If they stay aggressive, protect the ball, and execute situationally, the Reds have all the ingredients to close out this series with authority.