The Washington Nationals (48-87) take on the St. Louis Cardinals (79-56) in the 2nd game of a 4-game series Tuesday. First pitch at Busch Stadium is at 7:45 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Nationals vs. Cardinals odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Season series: Tied 2-2
The Nationals won Monday’s opener 6-0. Although the season is lost for Washington, it is 6-4 in its last 10 games and are looking to play spoiler heading down the stretch.
The Cardinals lead the NL Central by 7½ games over the Milwaukee Brewers. With 27 games to play, the Cards are looking to remain strong heading into the playoffs. With a 7-3 record over their last 10 games, they’re doing just that.
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Nationals at Cardinals projected starters
RHP Paolo Espino vs. LHP Jose Quintana
Espino (0-6, 4.22 ERA) makes his 16th start and 36th appearance. He has a 1.29 WHIP, 1.8 BB/9 and 7.0 K/9 through 96 IP.
- Started 15 straight games after appearing out of the bullpen 20 times to start the season
- Threw 5 innings with 1 ER, 5 H, 0 BB, 6 K in a no-decision at home against Oakland Athletics Thursday
Quintana (4-6, 3.47 ERA) makes his 27th start. He has a 1.33 WHIP, 2.9 BB/9 and 7.4 K/9 through 132 1/3 IP.
- Coming off a rough start in his last outing where he managed only 4 2/3 IP, while giving up 2 ER on 7 H and 1 BB with 1 K in no-decision at Cincinnati Reds Wednesday
- Since Aug. 2 trade from Pirates to Cardinals: 1-1, 3.38 ERA (29 1/3 IP, 11 ER), 1.53 WHIP, 3.7 BB/9, 6.1 K/9 in 6 starts
- St. Louis is 5-1 in his 6 starts since trade
Nationals 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 2:20 p.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Nationals +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Cardinals -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Nationals +1.5 (-108) | Cardinals -1.5 (-112)
- Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)
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Nationals at Cardinals picks and predictions
Prediction
St. Louis 5 Washington 3
Money line
ST. LOUIS (-250) is the play.
The Cardinals are the better team in this game. Despite their shutout loss Monday, they have still outscored the Nationals this season 17-15. They should outscore them again here.
Run line/Against the spread
STAY AWAY.
Neither of these pitchers has performed well in recent outings. Quintana was pulled in the 5th inning in his most recent turn for the Cardinals, and Espino barely made it through the 5th last time out for the Nats.
Over/Under
OVER 7.5 (-115) is my FAVORITE PLAY for this game.
These pitchers are a combined 4-12 on the season in 41 combined starts. Both are also coming off a series of rocky outings. There should be some runs scored in this one after the Under hit Monday.
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