Best MLB Picks: 08/31
Be sure to check out any relevant information before game time as this article is written the night before!
Saint Louis Cardinals at Cincinnati Reds
This matchup sees the second battle between the 2nd place NL Central Reds (71-62) vs the 3rd place Cardinals (67-63). The Cardinals are still in the hunt to make the playoffs even though it’s unlikely. The Cardinals have a had a disappointing season riddled with injuries at the wrong time. Their are some bright spots and fans are loving Nolan Arenado. The Cards are 5-5 in their last 10 games. The Cards took game 1 of the series by a score of 3-1.
The Cardinals will start Mikolas (0-1) who has seen only 13.1 innings with 11 K, 4 BB, 2.70 ERA and a WHIP of 1.28. This will mark his 5th start this year.
The Reds motto at the start of the year was “We are just going to go out there and have fun.” Not many had pegged this team to be this close to a playoff spot, especially after losing Cy Young winner Bauer. The resiliency of this team has been on full display despite their recent 3 game losing skid. The Reds are also 5-5 in their last 10 games.
The Reds will counter Mikolas with Gray (6-6) who pitched 103.2 innings with 124 K, 40 BB, 1.28 WHIP, and an ERA of 3.91.
The odds are not out yet but we can assume that Reds will be the favorite to win due to home field advantage and the pitching advantage. The Reds should win this game due to these advantages and the Reds should end their recent 3 game winning streak since the Cards haven’t been overwhelming this season.
Honorable Mentions
Blue Jays ML
White Sox ML
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