The set-up: St. Louis embarrassed the Reds 16-2 in yesterday's series opener, but I like the home side to bounce back here. The visitors hand the ball to Johan Oviedo (0-0, 3.60 ERA) who has just been added to the rotation (out of necessity.) So far he's allowed four runs with four walks over ten innings of work in his rookie season.

The pick: Tyler Mahle (0-0, 3.38) gets the call for the home side and he comes in off a gem vs. the Cubs on Friday, striking out 11, walking two and allowing two runs off two hits over seven innings for the victory. Mahle owns a sharp 32:10 K:BB and I think he's going to easily outduel his untested counterpart. Finally note that the Reds are 7-2 in their last nine after allowing 15 or more runs in a loss in their previous outing. I'm banking on a home side blowout from start to finish!

The is a 10* ELITE OF THE ELITE on the Reds.