The Milwaukee Brewers (95-63) put an end to the 17-game win streak of the St. Louis Cardinals (88-70) Wednesday night. They’ll look to win the rubber game of the series when the teams meet again Thursday at 1:15 p.m. ET at Busch Stadium. Let’s analyze the lines around the Brewers vs. Cardinals odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Brewers LHP Brett Anderson (4-9, 4.30 ERA) makes his 23rd start. He has a 1.39 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9 and 5.6 K/9 through 90 IP.
- Missed three weeks this month due to a shoulder contusion, returning last week against St. Louis and allowed 6 runs (2 earned) over just 1 2/3 IP.
- Has made 13 starts on the road this year, where he has posted a 4.79 ERA and 5.4 K/9 across 47 IP.
Cardinals LHP J.A. Happ (9-8, 5.86 ERA) makes his 30th start. He has a 1.48 WHIP, 3.0 BB/9 and 7.1 K/9 through 146 IP.
- Put up a 6.77 ERA over 19 starts with the Minnesota Twins; he recorded a 2.22 ERA in five August starts with the Cardinals but in five starts since has a 6.52 ERA and 1.9 HR/9.
- Has made five starts at Busch Stadium this season, where he has recorded a 3.91 ERA and 21/4 K/BB through 25 1/3 IP
Brewers at Cardinals odds, lines, picks and prediction
MLB odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:45 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Brewers -108 (bet $108 to win $100) | Cardinals -112 (bet $112 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Brewers -1.5 (+145) | Cardinals +1.5 (-180)
- Over/Under: 8.5 (O: -135 | U: +110)
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Prediction
Brewers 6, Cardinals 4
Money line (ML)
Neither pitcher comes into this game on a high note. We already mentioned Happ’s recent struggles, and Anderson has allowed 18 runs (14 earned) across just 16 1/3 IP over his last five outings with a 12/8 K/BB.
Milwaukee has been excellent on the road all year, as their 50-27 mark ranks second in all of baseball. The Cards have obviously been red-hot, but they are 29th on the season in runs per game at home. Look for the BREWERS (-108) to get the job done.
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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)
Both pitchers are susceptible to blowups, but Anderson at least keeps the ball in the park, as his 1.0 HR/9 is far better than Happ’s 1.8 mark. There’s enough value here for a small play on the road team. Side with the BREWERS -1.5 (+145).
Over/Under (O/U)
Happ’s five-start hot streak following his arrival in St. Louis proved to be a fluke, and he has been getting knocked around again for the past month. Anderson hasn’t been great, either, and the St. Louis offense has been clicking, averaging 8 runs per game over their last seven prior to Wednesday’s shutout loss.
Neither offense is likely to get shut down in this one, while both are capable of a big day. Get in on OVER 8.5 (-130), as it’s the best bet on the board in this game.
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