MLB Tipping Sheet: Cardinals and Reds set for Friday night showdown

Latos is on the mound for the Reds tonight

James Feldman is looking forward to a couple of contests in the MLB tonight, including one from the NL Central which could have a significant bearing on the race for the post-season...

St Louis Cardinals @ Cincinnati Reds

This is without doubt the most exciting and mouth-watering match-up in tonight's MLB schedule. Both teams are battling it out in the NL Central division. Cincinnati are first with a 76-50 record. However, the Reds have played an extra two games over St Louis - who are in second place with a 68-56 record. The Cardinals are also defending champions and will feel that these high profile games would suit them.

The Reds have been the best team in the NL Central division the majority of this season. Without doubt the Reds are currently the most consistent team in the division, whilst Pittsburgh over-achieved and have dropped off the pace over the last couple of weeks. St Louis have started to make a late push for not only the playoff wild card slot, but to take the division altogether.

The Reds won the previous series between the two sides, with a 3-0 whitewash. This series was only played out last month, and all three games were played in Cincinnati. Furthermore, the Cardinals haven't beaten their rivals since mid-April.

Matt Latos (10-3, ERA 3.56) starts on the mound in his home stadium tonight. His record since the All-star break has seen him start eight games in which four were no decisions. Latos has won three of the other four games with an ERA of 2.42 and a WHIP of 1.13. His opposition tonight is Lance Lynn (13-5, ERA 3.73). He has been tremendous all year, although his pitching hasn't been at its best post All-star. In the seven games he's started, four have been no decisions, winning two of the three which have finished. His ERA sits at 4.58 with a WHIP of 1.47. The majority of earned runs he gives up are in the first couple of innings, so he will have to start well in Cincinnati tonight, against a solid batting order.

This game possesses the potential to have everything within it. Great pitching, but also batters who can find those runs when required of them. Expect a close fought battle in Cincinnati tonight. However, considering the Reds record at home this season, as well as their last series victory (at home) against the Cardinals, back Cincinnati to win the opening game. The pitching battle will be very tight as well, so back the under run total too.

Minnesota Twins @ Texas Rangers

The Minnesota Twins are in Texas again for the second game of the series. Over the last couple of weeks the Twins have been on a terrible run of form. They've lost eight of their last ten and lost last night to the Rangers 10-6. The Rangers are in much better form, winning six of their last eight. The two are currently at opposite ends of the AL Conference. This Texas team is the best team with a 73-51 record, compared to Minnesota, who are rock bottom of the conference with an opposite record of 51-73.

The team have played each other seven times in 2012, with the Rangers victorious on six occasions. Matt Harrison (14-7, ERA 3.19) starts for the home side tonight, who was solid in his last outing. His record since the All-star break has been fairly good, winning three and losing three, although he was let down by the closing pitchers in the majority of his losses. His opposite number tonight is Sam Deduno (4-1, ERA 3.33), who although has won four of his starts, hasn't actually been pitching amazingly, but found a way of getting out of trouble in his last start against Seattle.

After last night's result, and the complete opposite records, I can only envisage one winner tonight. The Rangers will want to finish strong, and go into the playoffs with a fair few wins behind them. Expect another victory for the number one team in the American League tonight, and back them to win by covering the -1.5 run line handicap.

Recommended Bets
 Back Cincinnati Reds @ 1.768/11
 Back Reds/Cardinals under 7.5 runs @ 2.111/10
 Back Texas Rangers @ 1.9520/21