San Diego Padres at St. Louis Cardinals odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s San Diego Padres at St. Louis Cardinals odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The San Diego Padres (76-59) and St. Louis Cardinals (66-67) meet for the finale of a 4-game series Thursday. First pitch from Busch Stadium is set for 2:15 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Padres vs. Cardinals odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Tied 3-3

St. Louis escaped with a 4-3 win over San Diego Wednesday as a +105 home underdog. 3B Nolan Arenado hit a walk-off single in the bottom of the 9th inning, driving in SS Masyn Winn.

The loss marked the end of a 3-game win streak for the Padres and snapped a 2-game skid for the Cardinals.

Padres at Cardinals projected starters

RHP Michael King vs. RHP Sonny Gray

King (11-7, 3.14 ERA) makes his 26th start and 27th appearance. He has a 1.18 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9 and 10.7 K/9 through 146 1/3 innings.

  • Last start: Loss, 5 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 7 K in 7-1 home defeat vs. New York Mets Saturday
  • Career vs. St. Louis: 1-0, 0.00 ERA (3 1/3 IP, 0 ER), 1 H, 0 BB, 2 K in 1 relief appearance of 6-2 road victory July 1, 2023, with New York Yankees

Gray (11-9, 4.07 ERA) makes his 25th start. He has a 1.13 WHIP, 2.3 BB/9 and 11.1 K/9 through 141 2/3 innings.

  • Last start: Loss, 6 IP, 5 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 7 K in 6-0 defeat at Minnesota Twins Saturday
  • Career vs. San Diego: 2-0, 1.64 ERA (11 IP, 2 ER), 1.18 WHIP, 12.3 K/9 in 2 starts — last outing in 2022

Who’s going yard? Here’s a breakdown of today’s best home run props with our top picks. Include the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE to score a $1,500 first-bet offer.

Padres at Cardinals odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Padres -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Cardinals -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Padres -1.5 (+150) | Cardinals +1.5 (-185)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Padres at Cardinals picks and predictions

Prediction

Padres 3, Cardinals 2

Moneyline

BET PADRES (-115).

San Diego is 3-1 in its last 4 games and 6-4 in its last 10, while the Cardinals are only 3-4 in their last 7 at home and 5-5 in their last 10 overall.

The Padres are also 3-1 in the last 4 meetings between these teams.

Run line/Against the spread

PASS.

I like the Cardinals to cover here as +1.5 (-185) underdogs, but the line is set too heavily in their favor to risk betting on. Bet on the moneyline and/or O/U instead.

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 8 (-115).

For St. Louis, the Under is 7-3 in its last 10 games overall and 4-3 in its last 7 at home. The Under has also gone 5-3-1 in the last 9 meetings.

This is a lean because the Over is 7-3 in San Diego’s last 10 games.

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San Diego Padres at St. Louis Cardinals odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s San Diego Padres at St. Louis Cardinals odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The San Diego Padres (76-58) and St. Louis Cardinals (65-67) play the 3rd game of a 4-game set at Busch Stadium Wednesday. First pitch is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Padres vs. Cardinals odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Padres lead 3-2

After taking the Monday opener 7-4 as +113 underdogs, the Padres won 7-5 as -139 favorites Tuesday as the Over hit in both games. 1B Jake Cronenworth hit a go-ahead RBI single in the 7th inning for San Diego, which has won 3 straight. The Padres are 3 games back of the division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West and are in the 2nd NL Wild Card spot, 3 games ahead of the Atlanta Braves.

The Cardinals led 5-4 heading into the 7th and had a 75.5% win probability, according to ESPN Analytics, after the 1st out of the inning. The 3rd-place Cardinals trail the Milwaukee Brewers by 10½ games for the lead in the NL Central and are 7 games out of the final NL Wild Card.

Padres at Cardinals projected starters

RHP Joe Musgrove vs. RHP Andre Pallante

Musgrove (4-4, 4.43 ERA) makes his 14th start. He has a 1.26 WHIP, 2.5 BB/9 and 8.3 K/9 in 65 IP.

  • Last start: Win, 7 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 0 BB, 9 K in 7-0 home victory vs. New York Mets Friday
  • 2024 road stats: 1-1, 5.63 ERA (16 IP, 10 ER), 1.88 WHIP, 7.9 K/9 in 4 starts
  • 2024 vs. Cardinals: Win, 6 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 7 K in 3-2 victory on April 3
  • Career vs. Cardinals: 3-7, 4.87 ERA (64 2/3 IP, 35 ER), 1.38 WHIP, 10.3 K/9 in 12 starts

Pallante (6-6, 3.84 ERA) makes his 15th start and 24th appearance. The 25-year-old has a 1.29 WHIP, 3.4 BB/9 and 6.8 K/9 in 86 2/3 IP.

  • Last start: Win, 7 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 5 K in 6-1 victory at Minnesota Twins Friday
  • 2024 home stats: 4-4, 4.85 ERA (42 2/3 IP, 23 ER), 1.41 WHIP, 7.0 K/9 in 11 appearances (7 starts)
  • 2024 vs. Padres: No-decision, 1 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 0 BB, 1 K in 3-2 loss April 3
  • Career vs. Padres: 2-0, 2.35 ERA (7 2/3 IP, 2 ER), 8 H, 3 BB, 6 K in 5 relief appearances

Who’s going yard? Here’s a breakdown of today’s best home run props with our top picks. Include the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE to score a $1,500 first-bet offer.

Padres at Cardinals odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:34 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Padres -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Cardinals +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Padres -1.5 (+140) | Cardinals +1.5 (-165)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Padres at Cardinals picks and predictions

Prediction

Padres 4, Cardinals 3

Moneyline

The Padres have won the last 3 meetings between these teams and are 3-1 in Musgrove’s last 4 starts.

The Cardinals have struggled since C Willson Contreras (broken finger) was hit by a pitch in the 4th inning of a 6-0 loss Saturday at the Twins. Including Saturday’s setback, St. Louis has gone 1-3 since losing its leader in OBP (.380) and now has just a 0.9% chance to make the playoffs, according to FanGraphs.com.

BET PADRES (-125).

Run line/Against the spread

The Cardinals +1.5 (-165) will likely cover the run line, but it’s harder to stay profitable long term in MLB betting into lines with this much vig.

PASS. Bet the ML and/or total instead.

Over/Under

The last 2 meetings have been high-scoring, but both starting pitchers have been impressive in recent outings. Musgove has a 0.57 ERA (15 2/3 IP, 1 ER) in 3 August starts, and Pallante has allowed 2 ER or fewer in 3 straight.

BET UNDER 8 (-105).

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San Diego Padres at St. Louis Cardinals odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s San Diego Padres at St. Louis Cardinals odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The San Diego Padres (75-58) and St. Louis Cardinals (65-66) play the 2nd game of a 4-game series Tuesday at Busch Stadium at 7:45 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Padres vs. Cardinals odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Tied 2-2

The Padres rolled to a 7-4 victory Monday as RHP Kyle Gibson never really gave his squad a chance. He allowed 7 ER in 4 1/3 IP as 3B Manny Machado touched seats with his 21st HR. OF Jackson Merrill had 2 hits and 3 RBIs.

SS Masyn Winn and OF Alec Burleson went a combined 6-for-11 Monday at the top of the order, but 3-4-5 went a combined 0-for-12. That’s the Cardinals season in a nutshell – get runners on, don’t score and watch the traffic go around the bases on defense.

Padres at Cardinals projected starters

RHP Dylan Cease vs. RHP Miles Mikolas

Cease (12-10, 3.43 ERA) makes his 28th start. He has a 1.05 WHIP, 3.0 BB/9 and 11.2 K/9 in 154 2/3 IP.

  • Last start: Loss, 6 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 9 H, 1 BB, 7 K Thursday against New York Mets
  • 1 career start vs. St. Louis: No-decision, 6 IP, 5 ER, 11 H, 0 BB, 8 K on July 7, 2023

Mikolas (8-10, 5.19 ERA) makes his 27th start. He has a 1.26 WHIP, 1.4 BB/9 and 6.2 K/9 in 144 IP.

  • Last start: No-decision, 6 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 1 BB, 3 K Thursday against Milwaukee Brewers
  • Last 5 regular season starts vs. Padres: 2-1, 2.43 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 19 K in 29 2/3 IP

Who’s going yard? Here’s a breakdown of today’s best home run props with our top picks. Include the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE to score a $1,500 first-bet offer.

Padres at Cardinals odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:59 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Padres -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Cardinals +120 (bet $100 to win $120)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Padres -1.5 (+125) | Cardinals +1.5 (-155)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Padres at Cardinals picks and predictions

Prediction

Padres 5, Cardinals 2

Moneyline

The Padres are moderate favorites here. Frankly, I think they’re a bargain at -145. This Cardinals team’s starting pitching has imploded, and they’re one of the worst teams with runners in scoring position in baseball.

This offense struggled to score against Randy freakin Vasquez Monday night. Cease has been more hittable of late, but I think he dominates.

Take the PADRES -145.

Run line/Against the spread

I repeat, Cease will dominate Tuesday night. He fanned 8 Cards in a 5-ER outing against them last year, and I will take the plus-money for DYLAN CEASE OVER 6.5 STRIKEOUTS (+125).

Over/Under

The Over snuck by Monday, but it took a putrid pitching showing from the Cards to do it. Basically, do you think the Padres can score 6-7 runs to cash an Over Tuesday? Sure, they could, but that’s tough to bank on. The Cards are 3-7 O/U in their last 10, and the Over is 3-5-2 in the last 10 matchups between these teams.

LEAN UNDER 8 (-115).

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San Diego Padres at St. Louis Cardinals odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s San Diego Padres at St. Louis Cardinals odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The San Diego Padres (74-58) and St. Louis Cardinals (65-65) open up a 4-game series Monday at Busch Stadium at 7:45 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Padres vs. Cardinals odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Cardinals lead 2-1

The Padres took 2 of 3 over the weekend against the New York Mets. They took Sunday’s game 3-2 as they entered the 8th inning down 2-0. OF Jackson Merrill hit a walk-off homer against RHP Edwin Diaz to send the home crowd in a frenzy. Merrill is hitting .304 with 7 homers and 22 RBIs over the last 30 days. He has now become the favorite to win NL Rookie of the Year (-165 at BetMGM Sportsbook).

The Cards stole one Sunday as an error allowed runners on 2nd and 3rd with 1 out in the top of the 9th. On cue, the next batter struck out before OF Lars Nootbaar drove in both runs with a base hit. They’ve won 4 of 5, against playoff teams no less, yet still remain 5 games out of a Wild Card spot.

Padres at Cardinals projected starters

RHP Randy Vasquez vs. RHP Kyle Gibson

Vasquez (3-6, 4.63 ERA) makes his 18th start. He has a 1.51 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9 and 5.8 K/9 in 81 2/3 IP.

  • Last start: No-decision, 5 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 3 K in 7-6 victory Aug. 8 at Pittsburgh Pirates
  • Hasn’t faced Cardinals
  • Home/road splits: 2-3, 6.08 ERA, 1.70 WHIP, 5.4 K/9 in 9 road starts; 1-3, 3.24 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 6.3 K/9 in 8 home starts

Gibson (7-5, 4.22 ERA) makes his 25th start. He has a 1.36 WHIP, 3.4 BB/9 and 8.3 K/9 in 136 1/3 IP.

  • Last start: No-decision, 5 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 5 K in 10-6 home victory in 10 innings Wednesday against Milwaukee Brewers
  • Last 5 starts against Padres: 2-1, 4.76 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 19 K in 28 1/3 IP

Who’s going yard? Here’s a breakdown of today’s best home run props with our top picks. Include the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE to score a $1,500 first-bet offer.

Padres at Cardinals odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:50 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Padres +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Cardinals -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Padres -1.5 (+155) | Cardinals +1.5 (-190)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: -120 | U: +100)

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Padres at Cardinals picks and predictions

Prediction

Cardinals 5, Padres 4

Moneyline

Gibson beat the Padres early in the season, allowing 2 ER on 4 H and 2 BB while fanning 4 in 7 IP. His biggest task will be to keep the Padres in the ballpark. He has allowed 1 homer in his last 5 home starts, spanning 24 1/3 IP.

Vasquez doesn’t have the kind of stuff that should elude Cardinals bats. His 4-seamer averages 94 mph, and opposing hitters are hitting .338 off of it. The CARDINALS -120 sneak one out.

Run line/Against the spread

The Padres are the hardest team to strike out in baseball, but I LOVE KYLE GIBSON OVER 3.5 K’S (-140). He has 5+ K’s in 4 straight starts and fanned 4 Padres in his previous start.

Over/Under

It is HOT in St. Louis. It’s expected to be 97 degrees at first pitch with a 7-mph win blowing out toward left-center. Having said that, I don’t trust this Cardinals offense enough to go for an Over at -120, though the pitching matchup leans that way.

PASS or get a live bet once this total drops.

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San Diego Padres at St. Louis Cardinals odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s San Diego Padres at St. Louis Cardinals odds and lines, with MLB expert picks and predictions.

The San Diego Padres (30-18) continue their 3-game series with the St. Louis Cardinals (27-21) Tuesday at Busch Stadium. First pitch is set for 7:45 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Padres vs. Cardinals odds with MLB picks and predictions.

St. Louis won the series opener 6-3 Monday with a bulk of the damage done with a pair of 2-run home runs from Cardinals 1B Paul Goldschmidt and 2B Nolan Gorman

Season series: Cardinals lead 1-0

Padres at Cardinals projected starters

LHP Blake Snell vs. RHP Adam Wainwright

Snell is 0-2 with a 6.00 ERA (9 IP, 6 ER), 6 H, 2 HR, 5 BB and 12 K in 2 starts.

  • Last start: Loss, 5 1/3 IP, 3 ER, 1 HR, 2 BB and 7 K in 4-1 home setback to Milwaukee Brewers May 24
  • Career vs. Cardinals: 0-0, 2.57 ERA (7 IP, 2 ER), 4 H, 3 BB, 7 K in one 2017 start – an eventual 6-4 road loss while pitching for the Tampa Bay Rays

Wainwright is 5-4 with a 3.12 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9 and 6.6 K/9 in 52 IP across 9 starts.

  • Last start: 4-3 home loss Thursday vs. Milwaukee Brewers with 5 IP, 3 ER, 10 H, 1 HR, 1 BB and 2 K
  • 2021 vs. the Padres: 0-1 with a 7.20 ERA (10 IP, 8 ER), 15 H, 3 HR, 3 BB and 4 K in 2 starts

Padres at Cardinals odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:40 p.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Padres +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Cardinals -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Padres +1.5 (-200) | Cardinals -1.5 (+160)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -105 | U: -120)

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Padres at Cardinals picks and predictions

Prediction

Padres 6, Cardinals 4

Money line

BET a three-fourths unit on the PADRES (+105) because this line is suspiciously low considering starting the pitching matchup and how well the Cardinals (-130) hit lefties.

Roughly 90% of the action is on St. Louis, according to Tipico Sportsbook,  but, if anything, the line has moved toward San Diego. Common sense says oddsmakers would adjust the line according to the market movement so the opposite happening raises red flags.

This line freeze is even more suspect because the Cardinals rank 1st in wRC+ vs. left-handed pitching at 137 (the 2nd-place team has a 121 wRC+), 1st in wOBA and 5th in BB/K, according to FanGraphs.

Wainwright has awesome basic numbers but grades in the 23rd percentile in chase rate, 1st percentile in whiff rate and in the 40th percentile or worse in expected batting average, wOBA and slugging percentage slash line, per Statcast.

Wainwright’s most used pitch is a curveball and Padres 1B Eric Hosmer has a plus-7 run value (RV) vs. curveballs and 3B Manny Machado has a plus-4 RV.

If Wainwright has to be extra cautious with Hosmer and Machado in the middle of San Diego’s order, then the rest of the Padres batters should get hittable pitches.

Snell hasn’t looked great in his first 2 starts, but his fastball velocity and spin rate are still elite. He should get back to his “top-of-the-rotation” form soon.

Finally, San Diego is 8-4 as a road underdog.

BET PADRES (+105) FOR 0.75 UNITS.

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Run line/Against the spread

PASS.

San Diego +1.5 (-200) is out of my price range, but it should cash. The Padres are 10-2 RL as road underdogs.

Over/Under

Slight LEAN to the OVER 8.5 (-105) only because San Diego’s ML is my favorite bet in this game.

San Diego is 14-10-1 O/U on the road, St. Louis is 15-8-2 O/U at home and the head-to-head series is 5-1-1 O/U in the last 7 meetings.

Also, Busch Stadium is more hitter-friendly (ranking 12th in park factor) and the weather forecast is predicting temperatures in the high-80s with double-digit mph winds blowing out to right-center field.

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San Diego Padres at St. Louis Cardinals odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s San Diego Padres at St. Louis Cardinals odds and lines, with MLB expert picks and predictions.

The St. Louis Cardinals (30-17) host the San Diego Padres (26-21) Monday at Busch Stadium for the 1st of their 3-game series. First pitch is set for 2:15 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Padres vs. Cardinals odds with MLB picks and predictions.

The Memorial Day game is their first meeting this season. Each team won 3 games in last year’s season series, but the Padres had a plus-5 run differential in those meetings.

San Diego won the rubber match of a 3-game set with the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-2 in extra innings Sunday. The Padres are 7-3 straight up (SU) in their last 10 games.

St. Louis split its last 2 series — a 4-gamer vs. the Milwaukee Brewers and a back-to-back with the Toronto Blue Jays, both at home. The Cardinals are 6-4 SU in the last 10.

Padres at Cardinals projected starters

RHP Nick Martinez vs. LHP Packy Naughton

Martinez is 2-2 with a 3.86 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 4.1 BB/9 and 9.3 K/9 in 39 2/3 IP over 7 starts and 1 relief appearance.

  • Last start: No-decision in 3-2 home win vs. the Milwaukee Brewers May 23 with 5 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 3 BB and 5 K.
  • 2022 road splits: 1-0 with a 1.93 ERA (14 IP, 3 ER), 12 H, 3 BB and 17 K over 2 starts and 1 bullpen outing.

Naughton is 0-1 with a 2.89 ERA (9 1/3 IP, 3 ER), 10 H, 2 HR, 1 BB and 8 K in 1 start and 5 relief appearances.

  • Last start: Lost 5-3 at home vs. the Baltimore Orioles May 10 with 3 1/3 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 2 HR, 0 BB and 2 K.

Padres at Cardinals odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:31 a.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Padres -103 (bet $103 to win $100) | Cardinals -117 (bet $117 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Padres -1.5 (+155) | Cardinals +1.5 (-190)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -135 | U: +110)

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Padres at Cardinals picks and predictions

Prediction

Padres 8, Cardinals 5

Money line

BET the PADRES (-103) because their lineup is a lot more productive vs. left-handed pitching than the Cardinals (-117) are against righties and Naughton is working as an opener for a “bullpen day” but St. Louis’s relief pitching isn’t very reliable.

San Diego is 13-4 SU against lefty starters and ranks 8th in wRC+ (113), 9th in wOBA (.326) and 2nd in BB/K rate (0.55), according to FanGraphs. St. Louis is 21-17 SU vs. righty starters with a 99 wRC+ (ranked 14th), .305 wOBA (18th) and a 27.0% hard-hit rate (26th).

Also, St. Louis’s bullpen is 29th in both FIP (4.34) and contact rate (78.1%), 23rd in hard-hit rate (40.6%) and 21st in exit velocity (89.2 mph), per FanGraphs.

BET 1 unit on the PADRES (-103).

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Run line/Against the spread

SPRINKLE on the PADRES -1.5 (+155), if at all, based on the previous analysis and San Diego is 8-5 RL as road favorites and the Cardinals +1.5 (-190) are just 5-5 RL as home underdogs.

But, I wouldn’t go too heavy on San Diego’s RL because the Padres have played in 16 one-run games already this season, including 6 in their last 10 games.

Over/Under

BET the OVER 8.5 (-135) because MLB games have been higher scoring across the league and the weather forecast is predicting temperatures in the mid-to-high-80s with a double-digit mph wind blowing out to left-center field.

Also, St. Louis is 7-3 O/U as home underdogs, San Diego is 9-4 O/U as road favorites and Padres-Cardinals is taking respected money on the OVER 8.5 (-135) hence the price.

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San Diego Padres at St. Louis Cardinals odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Sunday’s San Diego Padres at St. Louis Cardinals odds and lines, with MLB expert picks and predictions.

The struggling San Diego Padres (76-72) face the St. Louis Cardinals (78-69) Sunday as they try to avoid being swept in the finale of their three-game series. First pitch is set for 2:15 p.m. ET at Busch Stadium. Let’s analyze the lines around the Padres vs. Cardinals odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Padres RHP Jake Arrieta (5-13, 7.05 ERA) makes his 24th start of the season and his fourth with the Padres. He has a 1.74 WHIP, 3.9 BB/9 and 7.6 K/9 through 98 1/3 IP.

  • Has lost nine straight decisions and has not earned a win since May 25 when he was with the Chicago Cubs. His teams have lost his last 11 starts.
  • Despite playing most of the season for the Cubs, who are in the Cardinals’ division, Arrieta will face St. Louis for the first time this year.

Cardinals LHP J.A. Happ (9-8, 6.00 ERA) makes his 28th start of the year and his ninth with the Cardinals. He has a 1.49 WHIP, 2.8 BB/9 and 7.0 K/9 through 138 IP.

  • Earned the win with 5 1/3 scoreless innings pitched in a 2-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds in his last start.
  • Has allowed 2 or fewer earned runs in six of his eight starts since joining the Cardinals following a trade with the Minnesota Twins.

Padres 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 10:35 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Padres -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Cardinals -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Padres -1.5 (+145) | Cardinals +1.5 (-180)
  • Over/Under: 9.5 (O: -102 | U: -122)

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Prediction

Cardinals 7, Padres 4

Money line (ML)

The Padres have now lost seven of their last nine games and have fallen to 2.5 games out of the final NL Wild Card position. The Cardinals took the opener 8-2 and won again Saturday 3-2 and now have won seven straight games and nine of their last 10.

The Padres are 32-41 on the road and the Cardinals are 41-33 at home.

Add in the conflict that appeared to be happening in the Padres’ dugout between stars Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. and you have what makes for a continuing downward spiral.

While the Padres could turn things around, they aren’t a good bet to do it until we see it.

Take the CARDINALS (-115).

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

The Padres covered the spread Saturday night but are 7-8 ATS in their last 15 games. They are 36-37 ATS on the road this season.

The Cardinals run line loss Saturday snapped a streak of six straight ATS victories. They are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games.

The Cardinals are the money-line favorite but ATS underdogs with the inverted spread. However, in this case, betting the spread on the underdog does not give you as much value as the money line.

If you want some breathing room on a bet on the Cardinals, take the CARDINALS +1.5 (-180).

Over/Under (O/U)

The opener in the series went Over and the Saturday’s game went Under the projected total.

Two of five games between the two teams this season have had totals of 10 or more runs.

Four of the previous five games for the Padres had 10 or more runs prior to Saturday. Four of the previous six for the Cardinals had 10 or more runs.

Take OVER 9.5 (-102).

For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Jess Root 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.

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San Diego Padres at St. Louis Cardinals odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s San Diego Padres at St. Louis Cardinals odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The San Diego Padres (76-71) attempt to even their road series Saturday in the second game of a three-game set against the St. Louis Cardinals (77-69). First pitch is set for 7:15 p.m. ET at Busch Stadium. Let’s analyze the lines around the Padres vs. Cardinals odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Padres RHP Yu Darvish (8-10, 4.32 ERA) makes his 28th start. He has a 1.09 WHIP, 2.2 BB/9 and 10.6 K/9 through 150 IP.

  • Has allowed 4 or more earned runs in four of his last five starts. He gave up 8 runs on 6 hits and 3 walks over 4 innings at the San Francisco Giants Sept. 13.
  • The Padres have lost seven of his last nine starts.

Cardinals RHP Adam Wainwright (16-7, 2.88 ERA) makes his 30th start. He has a 1.03 WHIP, 2.2 BB/9 and 7.9 K/9 through 190 1/3 IP.

  • His 16 wins are the most he has had in a season since he won 20 games in 2014.
  • Has won his last five starts and nine of his last 10. The Cardinals have won 10 of his last 11 outings.
  • Wainwright allowed 6 runs on 8 hits, including 3 home runs, over 4 innings in a 13-3 loss May 15 at the Padres.

Padres 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 11:55 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Padres +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Cardinals -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Padres -1.5 (+165) | Cardinals +1.5 (-205)
  • Over/Under: 7.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Prediction

Cardinals 5, Padres 4

Money line (ML)

The Padres continue to struggle. After two wins in a row, they dropped the series opener 8-2 Friday. They have lost six of their last eight games and are a game and a half behind the Cardinals for the final NL Wild Card.

The Cardinals are hot. They have won six games in a row and eight of their last nine, and they have their ace on the mound. Wainwright has basically been an automatic win.

Take the CARDINALS (-120).

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

The game has an inverted line tonight with the Cardinals slightly favored on the money line but the Padres are the ATS favorites.

The Padres are 69-78 ATS and the Cardinals are 76-70 ATS.

The Cardinals have covered the spread in their last 12 wins and failed to cover the spread in 19 of their last 20 losses.

Expecting a Cardinals outright win, the ATS pick is easy. Take CARDINALS +1.5 (-205), but in this case, the better value comes from taking the money line favorite.

Over/Under (O/U)

With a low projected total, this seems like an easy choice, too.

The Padres’ last seven games and 11 of their last 14 have had totals of 8 or more runs.

10 of the last 16 games for the Cardinals have had 8 or more runs, too.

Seven of Darvish’s last eight starts have had 8 or more runs combined.

Take OVER 7.5 (-110).

For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Jess Root 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.

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San Diego Padres at St. Louis Cardinals odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s San Diego Padres at St. Louis Cardinals odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The San Diego Padres (76-70) are in the final stop of their 10-game road trip as they open a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals (76-69) Friday. First pitch is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET at Busch Stadium. Let’s analyze the lines around the Padres vs. Cardinals odds with MLB picks and predictions.

RHP Vince Velasquez (3-6, 5.95 ERA) makes his 18th start of the season in what will be his first appearance for Padres. Prior to joining San Diego, he posted a 1.48 WHIP with 5.0 BB/9 and 9.4 K/9 through 81 2/3 IP in 21 games for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2021.

  • He was signed by the Padres Wednesday, three days after being released by the Phillies Sunday.
  • In three of his last four starts for Philly, he did not get out of the third inning and allowed at least 5 runs.

RHP Miles Mikolas (0-2, 5.47 ERA) makes his seventh start for the Cardinals. He has a 1.41 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9 and 6.2 K/9 through 26 1/3 IP after spending the first two-thirds of the season on the injured list.

  • Allowed 4 earned runs in each of his last three starts.
  • Has not pitched more than 5 innings in any start.

Also see: 2021 World Series odds for all teams

Padres 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 8:34 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Padres +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Cardinals -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Padres +1.5 (-175) | Cardinals -1.5 (+140)
  • Over/Under: 8.5 (O: -130 | U: +105)

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Prediction

Padres 6, Cardinals 4

Money line (ML)

The Padres have won two in a row following a five-game skid. They trail the Cardinals by half a game for the final NL Wild Card spot. They are only 32-39 on the road this season. They are 3-0 against the Cardinals this season, but this is their first trip to St. Louis in 2021.

The Cardinals are hot right now, having won five in a row and seven of their last eight games. They are 39-33 at Busch Stadium and 31-39 against winning teams.

In the opener, take the PADRES (+115).

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

The Padres are 69-77 ATS this season and 35-36 ATS on the road. They covered the spread in two of the three games against the Cardinals earlier this season, and covered the spread in five of their last 10 overall.

The Cardinals are a little better at 75-70 ATS overall but are 33-39 ATS at home. They have covered the spread in 12 of their last 18 games. However, they are only 18-27 ATS when favored at home.

I think the Padres will come away with the outright win, but going PADRES +1.5 (-175) gives you some breathing room.

Over/Under (O/U)

Three of the Padres’ last four games have had at least 9 combined runs.

Nine of the Cardinals’ last 15 games have totals of 9 or more.

Two of the three games they played against one another finished with a total of 9 or more.

Take OVER 8.5 (-130).

For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Jess Root 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.

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