Sunday MLB Betting – Cincinnati Reds vs. St. Louis Cardinals

Both the visiting Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals have saved their best for last. Concluding a three-game series, the mound will bear the weight of two pitchers who make over $38 million combined this year. The Reds are playing some scrappy baseball, but Aaron Harang must prove he can hang with a guy like Chris Carpenter before we take him, and the Reds, seriously for the remainder of the season.

Despite a huge salary, Harang hasn’t exactly lived up to his value. He’s given up 37 hits in 27.2 innings thus far and allowed 22 runs for a bloated 7.16 ERA. In just 9.2 innings against the Dodgers and Marlins, he allowed 20 hits and 14 earned runs. Just brutal stuff from a guy who’s making that kind of money.

It won’t be any easier for him when faces Albert Pujols and the Cardinals. Harang may be earning a pretty penny, but his performance this season has been ugly. St. Louis ranks just 7th in the National League with 4.7 runs per game, and are just 13th in home scoring with only 4.3 runs but they can easily victimize Harang.

Cincinnati Reds vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Sunday, May 2rd — Busch Stadium — 2:15pm EST
MLB Pitching Matchup – Aaron Harang (R) / Chris Carpenter (R)

Part of the reason the Cardinals are floating above .500 so far is not just because of big name hitters. It’s due to some very stiff pitching, which has helped them earn just 3.2 runs against. That ranks them as the second best defense in the league.

Where To Watch: FSOH, HSDK

Chris Carpenter is also undefeated in three decisions, with the Cardinals losing just one game 7-8 against Milwaukee earlier this season. He’s allowed just 25 hits in 31 iron-man innings with only 12 earned runs. Betting on baseball is often over thought, so let me make it simple. Bet on the favored pitcher when in doubt. That means, in case you were wondering, the Cardinals money line is the safe bet.

Furious MLB Free Pick: St. Louis RL and ML