An action-packed National League Central rivalry takes center stage at Great American Ball Park on Sunday, May 24, 2026. The St. Louis Cardinals wrap up a heavily contested series against the Cincinnati Reds. Divisional matchups in late May carry plenty of weight, and with both rosters fighting for positioning in a crowded NL Central race, this matinee battle is a prime target for sports bettors.

With both teams adjusting after a grueling weekend stretch, finding the right edge requires diving into the advanced pitching numbers. Take a look at the core matchup variables and the absolute best value plays on today’s MLB betting lines.

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The Pitching Matchup: Matthew Liberatore vs. Brady Singer

Matthew Liberatore (LHP, St. Louis Cardinals)

• Season Record: 2-2
• ERA: 4.70
• Strikeouts: 43

The Cardinals send left-hander Matthew Liberatore to the bump looking for a strong road performance. Liberatore brings an intriguing pitch mix, utilizing a sweeping curveball and a mid-90s fastball to generate soft contact. While his 4.70 ERA suggests some vulnerability, he has been far more efficient when pitching with a clear lead. Navigating the unique dimensions of Cincinnati’s home field will test his ability to keep the ball low. To succeed, Liberatore must establish his slider early and stay ahead in the count to avoid giving up free passes.

Brady Singer (RHP, Cincinnati Reds)

• Season Record: 4-3
• ERA: 3.82
• Strikeouts: 51

The Reds counter with dependable right-hander Brady Singer, who continues to anchor the middle of Cincinnati’s rotation. Singer relies heavily on a devastating sinker-slider combination that excels at inducing ground balls at a high rate. Carrying a solid sub-4.00 ERA, he has shown great poise when facing aggressive, contact-oriented batting orders. Singer’s primary objective will be attacking the outer half of the plate and forcing the Cardinals’ right-handed bats into rolling over on low sinkers.

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Best MLB Gambling Bets for May 24, 2026

Best Bet: Cincinnati Reds Moneyline

Playing at home gives Cincinnati a distinct advantage in this particular pitching matchup. Brady Singer’s heavy ground-ball profile is highly effective at neutralizing the power bats in the St. Louis lineup. On the flip side, Liberatore’s tendency to give up fly balls could prove costly in a hitter-friendly ballpark. Expect the Reds’ offense to scratch across enough early runs to back a strong outing from Singer. Check out the latest sportsbook promotions to lock in the absolute best price on the home team.

Top Prop Bet: Brady Singer Over Earned Runs Under

Because Singer does an exceptional job keeping the baseball on the ground, he rarely finds himself giving up explosive, multi-run home runs. The Cardinals’ offense can struggle to string together consecutive hits when facing high-end sinkers. Betting the under on Singer’s total earned runs allowed provides an excellent, mathematically backed alternative to traditional moneyline or spread bets.

Game Total Pick: Over 9.0 Runs

While Singer should turn in a highly competitive performance, Great American Ball Park remains one of the most volatile venues for totals in modern baseball. St. Louis has plenty of disciplined left-handed hitters capable of working counts against Liberatore, and Cincinnati’s aggressive baserunning should generate plenty of scoring opportunities. Expect an energetic, back-and-forth game that pushes past the total line late in the afternoon.