Cincinnati Reds at St. Louis Cardinals

ST. LOUIS (Interstat) — The Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals continue their three-game series Saturday afternoon at Busch Stadium III.

First pitch is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. EDT with temperatures around 86 degrees under cloudy skies.

The Reds (31-30) enter 1½ games behind the Cardinals (32-28) in the National League Central. St. Louis has won two of three head-to-head meetings this season, including an 8-1 win May 22 in Cincinnati. The Reds answered with a 7-6 victory the following day.

Cincinnati has not announced a starter, listing left-handers Nick Lodolo (2-1) and Matthew Liberatore (3-3) as possibilities. Lodolo has not pitched since May 27. Liberatore allowed four runs over four innings in a no-decision against Atlanta on May 30.

St. Louis has not named a probable pitcher.

Reds rookie right-hander Chase Burns has been dominant, winning four of his past five starts. In his most recent outing Wednesday against Kansas City, Burns took a hard-luck loss despite striking out nine over six innings, allowing two runs. Over his last three starts, Burns has 26 strikeouts in 17 1/3 innings.

Cardinals right-hander Andre Pallante earned the win Wednesday against Texas, allowing one run over 5 2/3 innings with five strikeouts. It came after Pallante allowed four runs over three innings against the Chicago Cubs on May 29. He beat the Reds on May 22, allowing one run over six innings.

Cincinnati lost 5-2 to Kansas City on Wednesday. Blake Dunn homered and drove in two runs. The Reds have lost three of four.

St. Louis defeated Texas 5-3 on Wednesday. Alec Burleson drove in three runs. The Cardinals have won three of four.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 5-3 Reds victory.

BetMGM Sportsbook lists St. Louis as a -1.5 run-line favorite. The over/under is 9.5.

The series concludes Sunday afternoon.

Cincinnati travels to San Diego for three games starting Monday.

St. Louis visits the New York Mets for three games beginning Tuesday.