Washington Nationals vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 10/11/19 Prediction & Odds

Nationals vs. Cardinals Prediction

The Washington Nationals won their NLDS series in stunning fashion in five games two days ago, while the St. Louis Cardinals did the same on the road albeit in much easier fashion. Which side will get the best of Game 1 tonight as the NLCS begins?

Game Snapshot

901 Washington Nationals at 902 St. Louis Cardinals

Friday, October 11, 2019

Busch Stadium at 8:08PM ET

TV: TBS

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Public Betting Information

According to oddsmakers, the Cardinals are a -121 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Nationals are a +111 underdog, while the total is set at 8 runs. As of Friday morning, 56 percent of public bets are siding with host St. Louis. Check out our MLB Public Betting Page for up-to-date information.

Kendrick grand slam clinches series

Howie Kendrick hit a grand slam in the top of the 10th inning Wednesday night at Los Angeles to send Washington to a 7-3 victory in a series-clinching Game 5 of the NLDS. It was the only hit in five at-bats for Kendrick. Anthony Rendon helped lead the way as he finished 3-for-5 with a solo home run in the eighth inning that brought the Nationals within a 3-2 score, plus two doubles and three runs scored. Juan Soto was 2-for-4 with a solo homer that tied the score in the eighth plus a walk and two runs. Daniel Hudson recorded the win in relief as he allowed one hit with one strikeout in a scoreless frame. Anibal Sanchez gets the start tonight after giving up one earned run on four hits with nine strikeouts and two walks over five innings to get a no-decision in the Game 4 10-4 home loss versus LA.

Cardinals dominate after 10-run first

St. Louis cruised to a 13-1 victory Wednesday at Atlanta in Game 5 of the NLDS as it clinched the series in lopsided fashion following a 10-run first inning. Dexter Fowler helped lead the Cardinals offense from the leadoff spot as he finished 1-for-5 with a double, a walk, two runs scored and two RBIs. Kolten Wong went 2-for-3 with a double, a walk, two runs and two RBIs. Paul DeJong ended the game 2-for-4 with a double, a walk, a run scored and two RBIs. Tommy Edman was 2-for-5 with a double, a triple, two runs and two RBIs. Jack Flaherty eased to the win on the mound as he gave up one earned run on four hits with eight strikeouts and one walk over six innings. Miles Mikolas gets the start tonight after throwing a total of six one-run innings against the Braves on three hits with two strikeouts and two walks.

MLB Betting Trends

Washington

The Nationals are 8-1 in their last nine games versus a right-handed starter. Washington is 36-16 in its last 52 games overall.

St. Louis

The Cardinals are 21-9 in their last 30 home games. St. Louis is 16-7 in the last 23 Mikolas home starts.

Prediction:

While this almost feels like a tossup game, the fact that St. Louis played earlier on Wednesday and had a much less taxing game has me giving the hosts the definite edge here. The Nationals are on an emotional high right now and it might impact their performance in a tough road venue. Mikolas is a frustrating matchup since he induces so many ground balls and if guys like Rendon and Soto are neutralized, it has a major impact on the Washington offense. While Sanchez was very good in five innings against LA in Game 4, that is about as good as you can hope from him and I wouldn't necessarily expect a repeat here. And if the Nationals bullpen is heavily involved, we have all seen how poorly it's possible for that to go. I'm taking St. Louis in Game 1.

 

MLB DAILY PREDICTION: ST. LOUIS CARDINALS -121