The Cincinnati Reds must feel like they have nine lives. <\/p>\n
MLB Gambling Online \u2013 Cincinnati Reds vs. St. Louis Cardinals Preview & Pick<\/strong> Cincinnati Reds (43-43 through July 4)<\/strong> The 2010 National League Central division champs have stumbled to a .500 record are fourth place through 86 games but, because every NL Central team has hit bumps in the road, Cincy remains just three games behind first-place St. Louis.<\/p>\n The Reds really need an improved effort from Bronson Arroyo, who will face the Cards on Wednesday. Thanks to the run support from guys like Joey Votto, he\u2019s still on pace for his sixth 14-win season in the last seven years and seventh straight 200-inning season. But all those innings haven\u2019t been quality innings in 2011. Arroyo has given up a hilarious 24 homers in half a season. That would be a pretty high number in a full year. Opponents are batting .298 off him.<\/p>\n St. Louis Cardinals (46-40 through July 4)<\/strong> Albert Pujols is so much better than everyone that he\u2019s even the best healer. Somehow, he started taking full swings just two weeks after breaking his wrist. Now, after three weeks on the shelf, it looks like he may return against the Reds this week. That news should have the Reds shaking a bit, as Pujols has three homers and 12 RBI with a .403 on-base percentage over 63 career at-bats against Arroyo. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]<\/p>\n In fact, the Cardinals\u2019 lineup is loaded with guys who hit Arroyo hard. Lance Berkman has five bombs and 15 RBI in 50 at-bats against him; youngster Colby Rasmus already has a pair of homers off him.<\/p>\n Under is 7-3 in CIN last 10 Wed. games. With or without Pujols, it appears St. Louis will put some runs on the board on Wednesday. Can the Reds match? I\u2019m not so sure. Jake Westbrook is just an innings eater but he keeps the ball in the park. He\u2019s held his opponents homerless in seven of his last 10 starts. That bodes well against a homer-dependent team like Cincinnati.<\/p>\n Westbrook has a 3.13 career ERA over six appearances against the Reds. He should get the run support he needs to win.<\/p>\n
\nDate: <\/strong>Wednesday, July 6, 2011
\nVenue: <\/strong>Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO
\nBroadcast: <\/strong>FSOH, FSMW
\nCincinnati Reds at St. Louis Cardinals Betting Lines from BetOnline.com<\/strong>
\nMoney Line: Cardinals -123<\/strong>
\nOver\/Under: 8.5<\/strong>
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\nBronson Arroyo (7-7, 5.49)<\/p>\n
\nJake Westbrook (7-4, 4.92)<\/p>\nMLB Trends:<\/h3>\n
\nUnder is 9-2-1 in Arroyos last 12 Wed. starts.
\nSTL are 6-2 in their last 8 overall.
\nOver is 7-3-1 in STL last 11 home games.
\nOver is 11-5-1 in STL last 17 on grass.
\nUnder is 14-6-2 in Arroyos last 22 starts vs. STL.<\/p>\nMLB pick:<\/h3>\n