The Cincinnati Reds return to Great American Ball Park on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, for a 6:40 PM ET showdown with the St. Louis Cardinals. Left-hander Andrew Abbott gets the ball for the Reds against Cardinals right-hander Kyle Leahy in what shapes up as an NL Central clash with divisional implications. It's a prime-time home date for a Reds lineup that features Elly De La Cruz at the top and a mix of proven veterans and emerging pieces throughout. Catch the action on Reds.TV or WLW 700 AM.

Pitching Matchup: Andrew Abbott vs. Kyle Leahy

Andrew Abbott is the clear headliner on the mound tonight. The lefty has carved out a legitimate role as one of Cincinnati's most reliable starters, and a home start against a division rival is exactly the kind of assignment Abbott has handled before. His ability to generate swings and misses with his fastball-changeup combination gives the Reds a genuine chance to control the game from the first inning.

On the other side, the Cardinals send Kyle Leahy to the hill. Leahy is a name that won't intimidate Reds fans, and Cincinnati's lineup will be looking to make him work early and often. If the Reds can get into the St. Louis bullpen by the fifth or sixth inning, this game opens up considerably in their favor.

Cincinnati Reds Starting Lineup

• 1. Elly De La Cruz, SS
• 2. Sal Stewart, 1B
• 3. JJ Bleday, LF
• 4. Eugenio Suárez, DH
• 5. Tyler Stephenson, C
• 6. Dane Myers, CF
• 7. Matt McLain, 2B
• 8. Héctor Rodríguez, RF
• 9. Ke'Bryan Hayes, 3B

St. Louis Cardinals Starting Lineup

• 1. JJ Wetherholt, 2B
• 2. Iván Herrera, DH
• 3. Jordan Walker, RF
• 4. Alec Burleson, 1B
• 5. Joshua Báez, LF
• 6. Blaze Jordan, 3B
• 7. Masyn Winn, SS
• 8. José Fermín, CF
• 9. Pedro Pagés, C

Keys to Watch Against St. Louis

• Elly De La Cruz setting the table: When De La Cruz is on base, this entire lineup gets more dangerous. His presence at the top forces opposing pitchers to work carefully, and Leahy will feel that pressure from pitch one.
• Eugenio Suárez in the cleanup spot: Suárez batting fourth gives the Reds a legitimate run-producing threat. If De La Cruz and Bleday can get on base ahead of him, Suárez has the power to put crooked numbers on the scoreboard early.
• Abbott navigating the Cardinals' middle of the order: Jordan Walker and Alec Burleson are legitimate threats in the three and four spots for St. Louis. How Abbott handles that stretch of the lineup will go a long way toward determining the outcome.
• Matt McLain's return to form: Batting seventh, McLain has the talent to hit much higher in this order. A productive night from McLain would signal good things for the back half of the Reds' season.

Prediction

This matchup favors the Reds at home. Abbott is the best pitcher on the field tonight, and the Reds' lineup carries enough firepower to put runs on the board against a Cardinals starter who hasn't established himself as an elite arm. Great American Ball Park gives Cincinnati the extra edge. Expect De La Cruz to set the tone early, Suárez to drive in a pair, and Abbott to go six-plus solid innings. Reds win, 5-3.