The Washington Nationals will be squaring off against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. This NL matchup will get underway at 8:15 p.m. ET and Mid-Atlantic Sports Network will be televising the game.
Washington Nationals vs. St. Louis Cardinals Odds
Oddsmakers have listed Washington (+100) as the underdog to St. Louis (-110). Gamblers are able to bet on the game’s total with odds listed at even money (+100) for over 9 runs and -120 for under 9. Bettors can also wager on the game’s spread with the runline odds standing at -210 for the Nationals +1.5 runs and +175 for the Cardinals -1.5.
The Cardinals are 65-55 straight up (SU) and 59-60 against the spread (ATS). The team hasn’t strayed too far from expectations, losing 2.6 units for moneyline bettors and 3.9 units (ATS). The Nationals, on the other hand, have gone 60-60 SU this year and are 58-61 ATS. Overall, the team’s lost 21.0 units for moneyline gamblers and 4.8 units ATS.
Cardinals games have an over/under record of 56-58-5 in 2018. Washington has been a great under bet with a total record of 49-67-3.
Right-hander Jeremy Hellickson is the probable starter for the visiting Nationals. Hellickson is 5-2 with a 3.54 ERA and 62 strikeouts. He has yet to face St. Louis this year, but he made two starts against the Cardinals in 2017, posting a 0-1 record against them with a 2.77 ERA and nine strikeouts.
The Cardinals are sending Austin Gomber (2-0, 3.45 ERA) to the mound. Gomber has 26 strikeouts and 15 walks to his name, as well as a WHIP of 1.31. Gomber did not pitch in the majors in 2017.
Washington’s pitching staff allowed 4.0 runs per game and its starters own a 3.89 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 9.02 K/9. The bullpen has an ERA of 3.85, along with a WHIP of 1.23.
The Nationals offense has slashed .250/.331/.413 on its way to 4.6 runs scored per game in 2018, including 4.4 runs per game over the team’s last 10 games and 4.8 per game over the team’s last five contests (1-4 SU).
Washington’s hitters have been led by shortstop Trea Turner and third baseman Anthony Rendon, who collectively have blasted 30 home runs. The speedy Turner is hitting .269/.340/.409 with 14 home runs, 49 RBIs, 73 runs and 32 stolen bases, while Rendon (.292/.348/.507) is up to 16 homers, 58 RBIs and 56 runs scored.
For the home team, St. Louis’ pitchers have allowed 4.2 runs per game overall this season. Its starters have a 3.47 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 8.0 strikeouts per nine innings. The bullpen has a 4.30 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 8.3 K/9.
The St. Louis offense is putting up 4.6 runs per contest, including 5.7 per game over its last 10 games and 7.2 per game over its last five. The team has hit .331/.398/.586 over its last five matchups and is 5-0 SU during that span.
The Cardinals’ hitters have been led by outfielder Marcell Ozuna and first baseman Jose Martinez. Ozuna is slashing .273/.316/.395 with 13 home runs, 63 RBIs and 48 runs scored, and Martinez’s line is .305/.369/.467 with 14 homers, 69 RBIs and 41 runs scored.
The Cardinals have lost 3.2 units and are 42-43 ATS when facing a righty starter. The over has hit in 36 of those games, compared to 44 that’ve gone under.
Washington Nationals at St. Louis Cardinals Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Cardinals, ATS Winner – Nationals, O/U – OVER
