The Washington Nationals (48-89) and St. Louis Cardinals (81-56) wrap up a 4-game set Thursday at Busch Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Nationals vs. Cardinals odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Season series: Cardinals lead 4-2
The Nationals lost 6-5 Wednesday for their second consecutive loss. Washington had a 92.4% win probability after Nationals 1B Luke Voit hit a 2-run HR in the 8th inning, but St. Louis responded with a 5-run 9th inning to complete the comeback.
Cardinals SS Tommy Edman hit a walk-off 2-run double to secure St. Louis’ 6th win in its last 7 games. Edman’s second walk-off hit of the season helped St. Louis improve to 20-3 in its last 23 home games.
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Nationals at Cardinals projected starters
RHP Josiah Gray vs. RHP Adam Wainwright
Gray (7-9, 4.91 ERA) makes his 25th start. He has a 1.34 WHIP, 4.0 BB/9 and 10.0 K/9 through 128 1/3 IP.
- Last start: Allowed 6 ER on 6 H and 4 BB with 2 K over 5 IP in a loss at the New York Mets Friday
- Is 4-2 in day games with a 2.66 ERA (50 2/3 IP, 15 ER) while holding opponents to a .173 batting average over 9 starts
Wainwright (10-9, 3.21 ERA) makes his 28th start. He has a 1.20 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9 and 7.1 K/9 through 168 IP.
- Last start: Allowed 4 ER on 9 H and 2 BB with 2 K over 5 IP in a win vs. the Chicago Cubs Saturday
- Has won 4 of his last 5 decisions
- First time facing Washington this season
- Is 3-3 in day games with a 3.69 ERA (46 1/3 IP, 19 ER) with an opponent batting average of .258 over 8 starts
Nationals at Cardinals odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:30 a.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Nationals +230 (bet $100 to win $230) | Cardinals -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Nationals +1.5 (+105) | Cardinals -1.5 (-130)
- Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)
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Nationals at Cardinals picks and predictions
Prediction
Cardinals 3, Nationals 2
Money line
PASS.
St. Louis (-300) money line will most likely hit, but the price is too steep. The Cardinals could also be due for a let-down game after erasing a 4-run deficit in the 9th inning and walking off the Nationals Wednesday.
Run line/Against the spread
Gray is not a pitcher I would usually back, but he performs better in day games. While St. Louis has the better offense, they might underperform after such an emotional win. If Gray can continue to pitch well during the day, the Nationals should keep it close enough to cover the RL.
BET NATIONALS +1.5 (+105).
Over/Under
After an 11-run offensive showcase Wednesday, both offenses should regress toward the mean. St. Louis is coming off of an emotional and improbable comeback win. Don’t expect the same fireworks Thursday.
BET UNDER 7.5 (-107).
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