The Cincinnati Reds (74-75) visit the St. Louis Cardinals (73-77) Monday to start a key 3-game NL Central series at Busch Stadium. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Reds vs. Cardinals odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Cardinals lead 6-4

St. Louis 2B José Fermín and CF Nathan Church hit RBI singles as the Cardinals scored all their runs in the second inning of a 3-2 victory Sunday over the Milwaukee Brewers. The victory kept the Cardinals from going winless during a 6-game road trip. St. Louis is 4 games back of the final NL Wild Card spot.

The Reds lost 7-4 to the Athletics Sunday, and the 3-game sweep in West Sacramento, California, dropped the Reds 2 1/2 games back for the last NL Wild Card. The Reds’ runs came on home runs by RF Noelvi Marte, 1B Sal Stewart and a 2-run shot by LF Will Benson.

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Reds at Cardinals projected starters

RHP Zack Littell vs. LHP Matthew Liberatore

Littell (9-8, 3.78 ERA) makes his 30th start. He has a 1.12 WHIP, 1.5 BB/9 and 6.3 K/9 through 171 1/3 innings.

Last start: No-decision, 6 IP, 2 ER, 2 H, 1 BB, 4 K in a 4-2 road win against San Diego Padres TuesdayCareer vs. Cardinals: 0-2, 6.04 ERA (22 1/3 IP, 15 ER), 1.43 WHIP, 5.6 K/9 in 10 games (2 starts)

Liberatore (7-12, 4.35 ERA) makes his 28th start. He has a 1.33 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9 and 7.0 K/9 through 140 2/3 innings.

Last start: Loss, 4 IP, 5 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 1 K in a 5-3 road loss against Seattle Mariners TuesdayCareer vs. Reds: 1-1, 3.45 ERA (15 2/3 IP, 6 ER), 1.15 WHIP, 7.5 K/9 in 9 games (2 starts)Reds at Cardinals odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:25 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Reds -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Cardinals -115 (bet $115 to win $100)Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Reds -1.5 (+155) | Cardinals +1.5 (-190)Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Reds at Cardinals picks and predictionsPrediction

Reds 5, Cardinals 4

BET REDS (-105).

The Reds have scored 4 or more runs in back-to-back games and in 3 of their last 5 contests. They have allowed 4 or fewer runs in 6 of their last 8 games and are coming off only their second time being swept this season. Still with a chance to make a push for the NL Wild Card spot, expect the team to play with a sense of urgency Monday. The outcome will be largely dependent on Littell who has been hit or miss recently, allowing 2 or fewer ER in 3 of his last 7 starts and at least 4 ER in the other 4 starts.

The Cardinals have dropped 5 of their last 6 games while scoring 3 or fewer runs in 5 of the 6 games.

PASS.

The moneyline will be the best wager in this matchup between two teams who are neck and neck.

LEAN OVER 8.5 (-110).

The Reds have scored at least 4 runs in 3 of their last 4 games and in 6 of their last 10 contests. They have allowed 18 runs over their previous 2 games and at least 4 runs in 5 of their last 10 games.

The Cardinals have scored 11 runs over their last 2 games while allowing 8 or more runs in 2 of their last 3 contests. They have allowed at least 4 runs in 6 of their last 9 games.

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