The St. Louis Cardinals could have had a 2-1 record through their first three games, but their second clash with the Chicago Cubs was postponed due to poor weather. Regardless, St. Louis will enter the weekend with a 1-1 record and a chance to take down the division leading Reds in Cincinnati. The Cardinals got off to a great start with a 3-0 shutout win on Opening Day, but struggled in the other game of the series, getting shutout themselves, 2-0. While their defense has shown up so far this year, it’s clear that their bats will need to get going eventually if they want to repeat last season’s success.
The Cardinals will especially need to figure out their offensive woes to take down the Reds, who have started out the season 2-0 and have showcased a balanced attack. St. Louis has had their pitching and defense show up to start the year, but things could get tight if their offense doesn’t come to play in their second series of the year. History is on the Cardinals’ side, though, as they were a convincing 12-7 against the Reds a year ago and on paper have the talent to combat Cincy’s pitching.
Cardinals fans will be amped for this series, as they’ve already been short-handed a game and this rich rivalry only adds to the value. Cardinals tickets come in at a solid $34 on average for the first meeting on April 10th ($5 to get in the door), but fans should brace themselves for a minor spike at Great American Ball Park on the 11th ($55.21) as Todd Frazier Bobblehead day could help impact the price. Cardinals and Reds tickets simmer back down on the final day of the series ($30), while fans are getting a crazy deal overall due to Cardinals tickets usually being $100.91 on average for the year.
It’s not secret Cardinals fans are some of the best in baseball, so don’t be surprised to see them in the stands in Cincinnati. Looking to catch the game? Hipmunk.com has flights to Cincinnati and Cincinnati area hotels that will have you in walking distance from the ballpark.
Taking down the Reds could be key for the Cardinals, even this early in the year, if for no other reason than to show who the real threat in the NL Central is. The two sides will have 19 tries at tearing each other down, but this first set of three games will naturally help set the tone. St. Louis may have the edge out of the gates, however, as ace John Lackey makes his Cardinals debut.
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