The Pittsburgh Pirates (44-79) and St. Louis Cardinals (62-60) play the finale of a three-game set Sunday at Busch Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze the lines around the Pirates vs. Cardinals odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Pirates LHP Steven Brault (0-1, 1.84 ERA) makes his fourth start. He has given up 3 ER on 11 H and 2 BB with 12 K over 14 2/3 IP.
- Allowed 3 hits and a walk with 4 strikeouts across 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision on the road his last time out Monday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
- Allowed 2 runs on 5 hits and no walks with a season-high 6 strikeouts over 5 IP Aug. 10 in a loss against the Cardinals at PNC Park.
Cardinals RHP Adam Wainwright (11-7, 3.26 ERA) makes his 25th start. He has a 1.09 WHIP, 8.2 K/9 and 2.3 BB/9 through 154 2/3 IP.
- Had a four-start win streak snapped Tuesday after allowing 2 earned runs on 9 hits and 2 walks with 4 strikeouts across 6 innings in a loss against the Milwaukee Brewers.
- Has posted a 6-5 record and 2.79 ERA with 89 strikeouts across 100 IP through 15 starts at home.
Pirates at Cardinals odds, lines, picks and prediction
MLB odds courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 9:50 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Pirates +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Cardinals -220 (bet $220 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Pirates +1.5 (-122) | Cardinals -1.5 (-102)
- Over/Under: 8.5 (O: +100 | U: -125)
PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!
Prediction
Cardinals 7, Pirates 3
Money line (ML)
The Cardinals (-220) will cost you more than two times your potential return which is a bit more than my personal money line limit of -180.
AVOID, and look to the run line instead.
FANTASY BASEBALL: Serious about winning your league? Sign up for BaseballHQ.com to dominate the competition. Subscribe now!
Run line/Against the spread (ATS)
The CARDINALS -1.5 (-102) are a much better play on the run line at near even money.
The Cards have been outscored 9-4 while losing the first two games of the series, but St. Louis is 4-1 across Waino’s last five starts, including a 4-0 win Aug. 11 over the Pirates. The Cards have covered the run line in five of Wainwright’s last six starts, including four times as a favorite.
Over/Under (O/U)
The OVER 8.5 (+100) is the lean as the Cardinals look to salvage something in this series. They should be able to make it happen against Brault.
While the Under is 3-0 in Wainwright’s last three starts, including a 4-0 win Aug.11 against Pittsburgh, the Over is 5-2-1 in the last eight for St. Louis following a loss. The Over is also 6-1 in its last seven in the third game of a series.
For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow Joe Williams on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]