Cardinals at Nationals Betting Preview: Value Picks and Betting Trends

Game Info: Saturday, July 27, 2024, 8:15 AM EST (Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO)

Betting Odds

The Cardinals are favored on the money line at -125, with the Nationals the underdogs at +110. The total run line sits at 7.5, with the over favored at -120 and the under at +100.

St. Louis Cardinals Betting Preview

The Cardinals (58-42) know that even though they are leading the NL East, they cannot afford to drop a level of performance. Their recent baseball play has been exceptional as they have emerged victorious in six out of the past ten games. Their offense has a potent one-two punch with Aaron Judge and Paul Goldschmidt at the top of the order (.338 BA, 30 HR) in addition to Nolan Arenado who runs steadily in .282 BA and 25 HR. The Cardinals chances of winning this game will be largely influenced by these veterans leadership and stability which are invaluable.

The Cardinals have a strong pitching staff this year and they’ll likely lean on veteran right-hander Miles Mikolas (7-4 3.65 ERA) when it comes to starting pitchers. Mikolas, the Cardinals’ mainstay during games, has shown himself to be a trustworthy workhorse. He combines his mid-90s strike four-seam fastball with a slider curveball and changeup to keep hitters guessing. It will be up to him to utilize his knowledge and abilities in game management to prevent the Nationals’ lineup from reaching ridiculous totals.

Washington Nationals Betting Preview

Although it is more realistic to aim for a Wild Card spot, the Nationals (48-52) are still mathematically in the division race. Their play has been inconsistent throughout the season with heartbreaking losses, alternating with spurts of excellence. They need to address this inconsistency if they hope to have a serious playoff run.

Juan Soto, a youthful sensation who is still a threat at the plate, leads the Nationals offensively. With 28 home runs and a fantastic batting average of .312 right now, he presents a pitching nightmare for opponents. With a .291 average and 22 home runs, Josh Bell has also been a bright spot giving Soto some much-needed protection in the middle of the order.

The Nationals will counter with rookie pitcher Josiah Gray, a player with a 4-5,4.22 ERA and a promising future. Gray has walked a lot of batters this season with a fastball that can get up into the upper 90s and occasionally display amazing stuff. Even though he can still get better, his changeup can sometimes make him all but unstoppable. Even though Gray has command issues occasionally, his talented Cardinals teammates will try to capitalize on any mistakes he makes.

Matchup/League Facts

The Cardinals at Nationals game is a contest of opposing strengths. With their high-ceiling young arm and lineup capable of explosive outbursts, the Nationals counter the Cardinals’ veteran starting pitcher and more reliable offense.

The recent history in this Cardinals-Nationals rivalry favors St. Louis. The Cardinals have prevailed in two of the three encounters since the two teams previous series in early July. In addition, they have also won in three of the last four encounters. Despite their respectable road record (27–25) this season, the Cardinals will not be discouraged by the Nationals Park crowd either.

But the Nationals are not to be taken lightly, particularly at home. A hot Gray on the mound could mean trouble for the Cardinals as Nationals’ Park can be a hitters paradise. If the Nationals want to maintain a lead late in the game their bullpen—which has been erratic all season—must be on point. Whichever team’s relievers can maintain their poise in this matchup could determine the outcome as the Cardinals’ bullpen has its own problems.

St. Louis Cardinals at Washington Nationals Prediction

Everything is set up for a pitching duel in this Cardinals at Nationals’ game. Mikolas and Gray both possess the ability to stifle rival offenses. The Nationals have enough firepower to pull off an upset at home, especially if Gray can pitch to his potential. However, the Cardinals may have the advantage due to their experience and slightly more reliable lineup.

Prediction: St. Louis Cardinals Win 3-1