[Scotty doesn't know]

Can't wait for this series to begin, man. Looks like it will be a good one. Here's how I see each game going:

Game 1 (Carpenter vs. Leake) = This is probably the worst matchup on paper of the series. Rookie Mike Leake, who was the team's best pitcher early in the season, has seemed to hit the wall of late. I am a little worried that his innings might be starting to catch up to him, as not only has Leake lost both his last two starts, but he has also given up at least four runs in 6 of his last 9 games. If he gives up four runs here, the game will likely be over, as Carpenter is usually lights out against the Reds. So far this season, he is 3-0 with only 3 runs given up in 21 innings against Cincy! IMO, the only hope for a win is for Leake to pitch like did earlier this season, keep it close, and maybe we can get to the Cardinals' bullpen.

Game 2 (Garcia vs. Cueto) = The Reds seem to have an edge here, although not as much as St. Louis has in the first game. Garcia has been great in his rookie year, even better than Leake, but he got knocked around a bit in his last start as well. Also, he tends to not go deep into games, so the Reds should have a shot at the Cards' bullpen. Meanwhile, Cueto has been on a roll, as he has won his last 5 decisions and has only given up 1 ER or less in 7 of his last 9 starts! Hopefully this will be a win.

Game 3 (Wainwright vs. Arroyo) = This looks to be the best matchup of the entire series, and may determine who gets the rubber game. On first glance at their respective ERA's, Wainwright would seem to have a big edge, but he has not been quite as dominant on the road as he is at home. Amazingly, he has only given up four ER or more 4 times out of 24 starts, but all 4 were on the road, and one was in Cincy in a 4-3 Reds win. Meanwhile, Arroyo has also been on a roll recently, as he has given up less than two ER in 7 of his last 10 starts. Maybe a slight edge to St. Louis, but again if it is close late I believe we can get to their bullpen.

All in all, I see almost no way the Reds get a sweep, although I think a Cards sweep is also unlikely. So depending on which team wins the series, the Reds will either have a 3 or 1 game lead when it's finished. Either way, I would still be happy the Reds are where they are in early August!

Completely agree man! This is going to be a rough series to keep that streak going. I think that the Reds can take 2/3 but I a lot of things have to go right for them. Like you said, the Carpenter game tonight is probably the one game you can almost count on a Cardinals win. Carpenter is just one of those pitchers that doesnt give up more than maybe 2 runs on a regular start. I think that we will get the last two but tonight might be the loss for the series.....I hope!