Monday, March 31, 4:10 PM on ESPN, FSMW, FSOH

Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio

St Louis - A. Wainwright (0-0) vs. Cincinnati - J. Cueto (0-0)

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The two favorites in the NL Central will know where they stand after just the first series of the year when the Cardinals and Reds meet up for a 3-game stretch in Cincinnati. The Cardinals were able to hold off both Pittsburgh and Cincinnati to win the NL Central and advance to the World Series where they eventually lost to Boston. Hopes are high like always in St. Louis, and Cincinnati hopes replacing manager Dusty Baker with Brian Price will be the final step to get them over the top in the postseason.

Johnny Cueto goes to the mound for Cincinnati as the Opening Day starter for the third straight season. The Reds signed Homer Bailey to a 6 year $105 million contract in the offseason so there was speculation that he'd be on the hill to start the season but it's Cueto's job once again. Cueto won 19 games in 2012 but started only 11 games a year ago because of various injuries. When he was on the bump he was impressive going 5-2 with an ERA of just 2.82. Cueto has apparently passed the physical tests of Cincinnati's doctor as there were some shoulder concerns earlier in the Spring.

Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright missed the entire 2011 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery but has rebounded perhaps better than any player in recent memory. Following a 14-13 campaign in 2012 the Cardinals pitcher went 19-9 a year ago with 2 shutouts, 5 complete games, and an ERA of just 2.94. Despite that success the Reds had Wainwright's number a year ago, giving the pitcher a 1-2 record in 3 starts. Jay Bruce has been a major culprit, hitting .393 with 2 HR in 28 AB to make up for Joey Votto's miserable .148 average against Wainwright.

ATS Data

St Louis

St. Louis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 8 of St. Louis's last 11 games when playing Cincinnati
St. Louis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 10 of St. Louis's last 13 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Cincinnati's last 11 games when playing St. Louis
Cincinnati is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Cincinnati's last 13 games when playing at home against St. Louis

Injuries to Watch

St Louis

No injuries to report at this time

Cincinnati

03/28/14 C Devin Mesoraco Oblique out indefinitely
03/27/14 P Aroldis Chapman Concussion out 6-8 weeks

Josh's Pick: Take St. Louis

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