Atlanta Braves vs St. Louis Cardinals Prediction 9-5-23 MLB Picks

The St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves clash Tuesday in game 1 of an MLB series at Truist Park. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

St. Louis Cardinals Betting Preview

The Cardinals need a win after losing 8 of their last 12 games. The Cardinals are 11.5 games back in the NL wild card race. The Cardinals pitching staff is 25th in ERA (4.46), 27th in WHIP (1.45) and 21st in quality starts (43). The Cardinals’ offense is 17th in runs per game (4.49), 12th in batting average (.253) and 8th in homers (186). Paul Goldschmidt leads the Cardinals with 142 hits and 70 RBI, while Nolan Arenado and Willson Contreras have combined for 236 hits and 142 RBI. Miles Mikolas gets the ball, and he is 6-10 with a 4.66 ERA and 112 strikeouts this season. Mikolas is 1-4 with a 3.86 ERA and 26 strikeouts in his career against the Braves.

St. Louis Cardinals Team Facts

• The Cardinals have lost 10 of their last 11 night games against National League opponents.
• The Cardinals have failed to cover the run line in 10 of their last 11 night games against National League opponents.
• The Cardinals have trailed after 5 innings in each of their last six night games against NL East opponents.
• The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Cardinals’ last three games.
• The Cardinals have trailed after 3 innings in each of their last four night games against NL East opponents.

Atlanta Braves Betting Preview

The Braves look for a win after winning 10 of their last 12 games. The Braves have a 14.5 game lead in the NL East. The Braves pitching staff is 3rd in ERA (3.78), 12th in WHIP (1.26) and 11th in quality starts (53). The Braves’ offense is 1st in runs per game (5.80), 1st in batting average (.275) and 1st in homers (259). Ronald Acuna Jr. leads the Braves with 184 hits and 85 RBI, while Austin Riley and Matt Olson have combined for 287 hits and 196 RBI. The Braves didn’t announce a starting pitcher at the time this article was published.

Atlanta Braves Team Facts

• The Braves have won each of their last 13 home games against NL Central opponents following a loss.
• The Braves have covered the run line in seven of their last eight night games against National League opponents following a road loss.
• The Braves have led after 5 innings in each of their last five Tuesday home games.
• The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Braves’ last three games.
• The Braves have led after 3 innings in each of their last three home games against NL Central opponents.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Atlanta Braves ranks 1st in the league for runs scored this season (789).
• The Atlanta Braves ranks 1st in the league for hits this season (1282).
• The St. Louis Cardinals ranks 1st in the league for home runs allowed this season (138).
• The St. Louis Cardinals ranks 29th in the league for opponent batting average this season (.275).

Randy’s Pick

The Braves didn’t announce a starting pitcher at the time this article was published, but it probably doesn’t matter. The Braves continue to pile up the wins with one of the most balanced attacks and the best offense in the league. The Cardinals look like a team that’s ready for the season to end, and Miles Mikolas isn’t going to change much. While an all star caliber pitcher, Mikolas is coming off an August where he allowed 41 hits and 23 earned runs in 37 innings. Current Braves are hitting .304 in 92 at bats against Mikolas. Give me the Braves and the RL for max betting value.