The Cincinnati Reds wrap up their series in St. Louis on Sunday, July 26, with a 2:15 PM ET first pitch at Busch Stadium. Andrew Abbott gets the start for Cincinnati against Cardinals right-hander Kyle Leahy in what shapes up as a pivotal NL Central matchup. Any ground the Reds can gain in the division standings on a Sunday afternoon road win matters — and this one is worth watching closely. Catch the action on Reds.TV or on WLW 700 AM back home in Cincinnati.
Pitching Matchup: Andrew Abbott vs. Kyle Leahy
Abbott is Cincinnati's assignment on the mound, and the left-hander has been one of the more intriguing arms in the Reds rotation. He generates swings and misses with a sharp breaking ball and has shown the ability to work deep into games when his command is on. The Reds need length and efficiency from him Sunday — a short outing puts pressure on a bullpen that can only absorb so many innings over a series.
On the other side, Leahy gets the call for St. Louis. He is not a household name, which means the Reds scouting and preparation work becomes critical. Facing a less-established starter can cut both ways — hitters sometimes struggle with unfamiliar looks early, so Cincinnati's lineup will need to stay disciplined and work counts rather than chasing early.
Three Keys for the Reds on Sunday
- Abbott's command in the first two innings: Road starts at Busch Stadium are loud and energetic early. If Abbott can navigate the first couple of frames without giving the Cardinals cheap baserunners, the Reds' defense and offense have a chance to carry the day.
- Making Leahy work: Against a starter with a limited track record at this level, the best approach is patience. The Reds need to see pitches, get Leahy into deep counts, and put the Cardinals bullpen under pressure as early as the fifth or sixth inning.
- Situational hitting: Road wins in division series are built on small ball moments just as much as big swings. Runners in scoring position need to come home. Leaving men on base against a Cardinals club that will grind through nine innings is a recipe for a loss.
Prediction
This one hinges almost entirely on Abbott. If he gives the Reds six solid innings and limits the Cardinals to two runs or fewer, Cincinnati has the lineup depth to plate enough to win. Leahy is an unknown quantity, and unknowns can be solved with disciplined at-bats. Call it a close game that the Reds pull out late — Reds 4, Cardinals 3.
