The Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals begin a crucial National League Central series on July 24 at Busch Stadium, with both clubs battling for positioning in the postseason race. Friday’s projected pitching matchup features Rhett Lowder for Cincinnati against Dustin May for St. Louis. Lowder enters the game with a 3-7 record and a 5.75 ERA, while May is 5-7 with a 4.78 ERA, according to the latest probable pitcher listings.

This divisional rivalry often produces competitive baseball, and bettors have several strong wagering opportunities on the moneyline, total, and player prop markets.

Best Bet: Cardinals Moneyline

The Cardinals hold the edge entering the opener thanks to home-field advantage and a lineup that has been more productive in clutch situations. Busch Stadium has traditionally been a difficult venue for visiting teams, and St. Louis has generally played its best baseball at home.

Dustin May has shown flashes of the dominant pitcher he was expected to become earlier in his career. His high-velocity sinker and sharp breaking pitches allow him to induce ground balls while limiting hard contact. Although his season has included some inconsistency, May has generally pitched better over his recent outings and gives the Cardinals a slight advantage on the mound.

Cincinnati’s Rhett Lowder remains one of the organization’s promising young arms, but he has struggled with consistency this season. His elevated ERA reflects occasional command issues, and facing a veteran Cardinals lineup on the road presents another difficult challenge.

Best Total Bet: Over 8.5 Runs

Despite Busch Stadium’s reputation as a pitcher-friendly ballpark, this matchup has the ingredients for a higher-scoring game. Both starting pitchers have allowed runs at times this season, and each bullpen has been inconsistent during stretches of the year.

The Reds feature dangerous hitters capable of producing quick offense, led by Elly De La Cruz and Spencer Steer. Meanwhile, St. Louis counters with Jordan Walker, Alec Burleson, and Iván Herrera, giving the Cardinals multiple run-producing options throughout the lineup.

If either starter exits before the sixth inning, both teams should have opportunities to score against middle relief, making the over an attractive betting option if the total remains at 8.5 runs.

Best Player Prop: Elly De La Cruz Over 1.5 Total Bases

Instead of focusing on pitching props, one of the best player bets is Elly De La Cruz Over 1.5 Total Bases. The Reds superstar possesses elite power and speed, making him a constant threat to produce extra-base hits. Even against a quality pitcher like Dustin May, De La Cruz has the ability to turn a single into multiple bases with aggressive baserunning or drive the ball into the gaps for doubles and triples.

Player props involving total bases also provide multiple paths to cashing, whether through extra-base hits or multiple singles during the game.

Betting Outlook

This matchup should be one of the better National League games on Friday’s schedule. While Cincinnati has enough offensive firepower to stay competitive, the Cardinals appear to have the more balanced roster entering the series opener. St. Louis owns the edge in starting pitching, home-field advantage, and lineup depth, making the Cardinals the preferred side.

Best Bets for Reds vs. Cardinals

• Cardinals Moneyline
• Over 8.5 Runs
• Elly De La Cruz Over 1.5 Total Bases