Cardinals vs. Reds: Lars Nootbaar and Austin Hays Set to Impress in Cincinnati Clash

Key Players to Watch

As the St. Louis Cardinals prepare to face off against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park, all eyes will be on standout performers from both teams. For the Cardinals, outfielder Lars Nootbaar has been a consistent force, boasting an impressive batting average of .556 over the last three games. His ability to get on base with a .667 on-base percentage and drive in runs makes him a critical player for the Cardinals' offensive strategy.

On the Reds' side, outfielder Austin Hays has been equally formidable. In his recent performances, Hays has maintained a batting average of .467 with an OPS of 1.65, showcasing his knack for delivering key hits and driving in runs. His performance against the Rockies was particularly noteworthy, where he achieved a .500 average with two RBIs.

Pitching Matchups

The pitching duel will also be crucial in determining the outcome of this matchup. For the Cardinals, Steven Matz stands out with an ERA of 0.0 and a WHIP of 1.5 across his recent appearances. His ability to strike out batters at a rate of 13.5 per nine innings could be pivotal against a potent Reds lineup.

Conversely, Nick Lodolo from the Reds has demonstrated exceptional control on the mound with an ERA of 0.0 and WHIP of 0.4286 in his latest outing against Colorado. Lodolo's impressive strikeout rate of 11.574 per nine innings poses a significant challenge for Cardinals hitters.

Predictions and Game Outlook

With both teams featuring players capable of turning the tide in their favor, this game promises to be an exciting contest between two competitive lineups. The Cardinals will rely heavily on Nootbaar's consistency at bat and Matz's prowess on the mound to secure victory.

Meanwhile, for Cincinnati, Hays' offensive contributions combined with Lodolo's pitching acumen could prove decisive in tilting the scales towards a home win.

Fans can catch all the action live as these two teams clash at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on April 28th at 6:40 PM ET, broadcasted by MLB Network.

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