This is a 10* GAME OF THE MONTH on the Reds.

The Cards won the opener 11-6, posting six runs in the top of the first and then never looking back.

We expect Cincinnati though to bounce-back here.

St. Louis goes with Adam Wainwright today, who struggled with his peripherals last year.

The veteran also struggled against the Reds in two outings vs. them last season, going 0-1 and allowing seven runs off 14 hits with two walks with eight K's over 13 innings.

The home side counters with Tyler Mahle, who is poised for a big season in our estimation. Mahle had a breakout 2020, finishing with a 3.59 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 60 K's over 47.2 innings of work.

Does the fact that Cincinnati had to use its bullpen a little more in the Opener effect this game at all?

After only one game played, of course this is a non-factor whatsoever.

I'm giving the big nod to Mahle in this starting pitcher matchup and that, combined with the immediate revenge factor (and this price!), do indeed make the REDS the correct call here on Saturday afternoon.

Play on Cincinnati.

Good luck, NP