Cardinals vs. Nationals Prediction
The St. Louis Cardinals have a tough test this afternoon in their series opener at the Washington Nationals as they face NL Cy Young Award candidate Max Scherzer. Can St. Louis manufacture a win as the underdog and continue Washington’s disappointing season?
Game Snapshot
951 St. Louis Cardinals at 952 Washington Nationals
Monday, September 3, 2018
Nationals Park at 1:05PM ET
TV: ESPN
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers at BetNow, the Nationals are a -173 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Cardinals are a +163 underdog, while the total is set at 7.5 runs. As of Monday morning, 63 percent of public bets are being placed on host Washington. Check out our MLB Public Betting Page for up-to-date info.
Cardinals fall in extras
St. Louis lost 6-4 in 10 innings at home to Cincinnati Sunday afternoon to lose two of three in the series. Matt Carpenter walked three times in six plate appearances from the leadoff spot. Yadier Molina went 1-for-3 with a walk. Paul DeJong finished 1-for-4 with a walk and a run. Patrick Wisdom walked twice in five plate appearances and scored a run. Harrison Bader ended the contest 2-for-5 with a double and two RBIs. Greg Garcia went 2-for-4 with a stolen base and two RBIs.
Nats hammered by Brewers
Washington fell 9-4 on Sunday in its series finale versus Milwaukee, dropping two of three in the series. Bryce Harper was 1-for-2 with a walk and a run scored for the hosts. Juan Soto ended the contest 2-for-4 with an RBI, while Mark Reynolds went 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Wilmer Difo contributed a solo homer in four at-bats. Jefry Rodriguez took the loss as he allowed seven earned runs on seven hits with two strikeouts and seven walks in 4 2/3 innings.
Jack Flaherty (8-6, 2.87 ERA) is on the hill today for St. Louis, while Washington counters with Scherzer (16-6, 2.22).
MLB Betting Trends
St. Louis
The Cardinals are 10-1 in their last 11 road games. St. Louis is 20-6 in its last 26 games overall.
Washington
The Nationals are 9-3 in Scherzer’s last 12 Monday games. Washington is 2-6 in the last eight meetings.
Prediction:
If the Cardinals have to go against Scherzer, having Flaherty on the mound is a pretty solid option. He’s also capable of a dominant start. St. Louis has been killing it on the road lately and have had Washington’s number the last couple seasons. I’m going to take a shot on the underdog money here.
MLB DAILY PREDICTION: ST. LOUIS CARDINALS +163