:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/6918815/20120512_jla_sr6_660.jpg)
The St. Louis Cardinals begin the second half of the regular season with an opportunity to move up in the standings; their opponent this weekend -- the Cincinnati Reds -- are just 1.5 games ahead of the Cardinals in the NL Central. Both teams are chasing the Pirates, who have been playing outstanding baseball of late.
Related: St. Louis Cardinals Rumors: Redbirds Seek Pitching Help As Deadline Nears
Adam Wainwright (7-8, 4.56 ERA) will be on the mound for St. Louis Friday, while the Reds will start Mat Latos (7-2, 4.13). Latos has allowed just two runs over his last three starts.
Game 1 Date & Time: Friday, July 13, 6:10 p.m. CT
TV: Fox Sports Midwest
For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation St. Louis. For more coverage of this series, visit St. Louis Cardinals blog Viva El Birdos and Reds blog Red Reporter. For additional baseball coverage, check out Baseball Nation and MLB Daily Dish.