MLB: Cardinals vs Braves Odds Preview
After Taking Three of Four from Dodgers, ATL Has Magic Numbers in Mind
The St. Louis Cardinals (59-78) are last in the National League Central, something not even the sharpest handicappers could have predicted. The Cards are on pace to have their worst record since 1978 (62-93) due to a 34-46 record since June and 12 of their last 17. They’ll send Miles Mikolas (6-10, 4.66) to the hill to battle the Atlanta Braves (90-46) who haven’t officially named a starter, but speculation is it will be Michael Soroka (2-1, 5.52). Atlanta is a -200 favorite, the total sitting at 10.5 (u -115).
The first pitch is scheduled for 7:20 pm ET / 4;20 pm PT and can be seen on Bally’s Sports Southwest and Bally’s Sports South. We continue our Cardinals vs Braves odds preview with a look at both clubs from a betting perspective.
Cardinals vs Braves 
Date & Time:
Location: SunTrust Park
Streaming: Bally’s Sports Southwest and Bally’s Sports South
Mikolas to Make 30th Start Against Monster Lineup
This is the time of year when Cardinals fans are usually knee-deep in a playoff race after 15 straight winning seasons. 2023 brings no need to watch other baseball scores while hoping the home team would inch closer to a playoff berth. Instead, the Cardinals are crawling toward the finish line without water. Despite their overall record, Mikolas has been a small bright spot because of his reliability.
The Cardinals are just 12-17 when the veteran pitcher takes the hill, but this is a line-up that has given the 35-year-old just 4.22 runs per game, including two or fewer runs in 10 of his 29 starts. St. Louis has lost all three meetings with Atlanta this season, 29-40 against teams over .500, but a surprising 10-8 against teams playing over .600. When an underdog of +140 or less, the Cardinals have hovered around the .500 mark with an 18-19 record.
The Red Birds may not be a player in this season’s MLB divisional standings but there are some numbers to indicate that the club will come back strong next season. We continue our Braves vs Cardinals odds preview by shifting our attention to the Atlanta Braves.
Pick Your Poison With Braves Lineup
If you’re looking for reasons why the Atlanta Braves are dominating the National League, a glance at the MLB stats leaders will give you a sense of why. Matt Olson is tied with Shohei Ohtani for the Major League lead in home runs with 44. Olson leads MLB with 113 RBI, while Ronald Acuna Jr. is the hit and stolen base leader (184 hits, 63 stolen bases). Mix that in with soon-to-be stars, Marcell Ozuna and Austin Riley, and you’re looking at a team that will likely win 100 games.
Only four other teams have made more money for bettors this season which is saying something considering they own a record of 63-25 when favored by -150 or more, and 36-12 when -200 or more as they are tonight. The numbers are even more impressive when you consider the Braves are 23-7 at home when using those parameters.
Michael Soroka will make his seventh appearance and sixth start of the season. In his career against the Cardinals, Soroka is 1-0 with a 0.69 era. Atlanta is 4-1 when the Calgary native starts, averaging 8.18 runs per game. We conclude our Braves vs Cardinals odds preview with our official selection.
Moneyline too Big, We Focus on The Total
There is no way we’re going to wager on the St. Louis Cardinals, even with Mikolas on the hill. That forces us to focus on the total that is freshly out of the hands a few minutes ago after the Braves made Siroka’s start official. We’re going to recommend betting the under 10.5, even if it looks like this is a set-up for a lot of runs.
Atlanta is home after a 10-game West Coast road trip, which culminated with their annihilation of the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chavez Ravine. The first game back against a last-place team can sometimes lead to an uninspired effort. Let’s take the under 10.5 to start this three-game series.
That does it for our Braves vs Cardinals odds preview, we wish you all the best with your wagers down the stretch.
For MLB betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
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