In this article, we will formulate a Cardinals vs Nationals prediction for this MLB game on Tuesday, July 8, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.
Washington Nationals Betting Preview
The Washington Nationals (37-53, 19-25 Away) recorded back-to-back series wins against the Los Angeles Angels and Detroit Tigers, but then were swept by the Boston Red Sox at home, and some changes had to be made. The Nats have fired general manager Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez, so now Miguel Cairo will serve as an interim manager. In Sunday’s 6-4 defeat to the Red Sox, Shinnosuke Ogasawara took the loss in his first-ever MLB start after allowing four runs on seven hits with two strikeouts and no walks in 2.2 innings.
This year, the Nationals average 4.41 runs per game (16th in the MLB) on a .247/.314/.390 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Nationals’ staff has a 5.16 ERA (28th) and 1.40 WHIP (26th). James Wood leads the Nationals with a .288 batting average, 23 home runs, and 67 RBI this season.
The projected starting pitcher for the Nationals is Jake Irvin, who is 7-3 in 18 starts this season, with a 4.71 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in 105.0 innings.
St. Louis Cardinals Betting Preview
The St. Louis Cardinals (48-43, 26-17 Home) swept the Cleveland Guardians on the road but then lost five of the next six games. Not only were they swept by the Pittsburgh Pirates, but the Cards failed to score a single run in three games, and then lost a rubber match against the Cubs without scoring as well, 11-0. Erick Fedde took the loss after allowing three runs on two hits with no strikeouts and four walks in 1.1 innings.
This season, the Cardinals average 4.55 runs per game (12th in the MLB) on a .251/.321/.392 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Cardinals’ staff has a 4.08 ERA (19th) and 1.27 WHIP (18th). Willson Contreras leads the Cardinals with a .288 batting average, 11 home runs, and 51 RBI this season.
Sonny Gray will take the mound for the Cardinals on Tuesday. The 35-year-old right-hander has an 8-3 record in 17 starts this year with a 3.51 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 100.0 innings.
Why the Cardinals will cover
- The Cardinals have won seven of their last eight games against NL East opponents.
- The Nationals have lost five of their last six games against NL Central opponents.
- The Cardinals have covered the run line in seven of their last eight night games against NL East opponents.
- The Nationals have failed to cover the run line in eight of their last nine games following a home loss.
- The Nationals have trailed after 5 innings in five of their last six games against NL Central opponents.
- The Nationals have trailed after 3 innings in each of their last four road games.
Total Runs Facts
- Each of the Nationals’ last eight games as underdogs have gone OVER the total runs line.
- Seven of the last eight games between the Nationals and Cardinals at Busch Stadium have gone OVER the total runs line.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Cardinals’ last eight Tuesday night games against National League opponents.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in seven of the Nationals’ last eight games as road underdogs.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Cardinals rank 3rd in the league for walks allowed this season (251).
- The Cardinals rank 5th in the league for home runs allowed this season (84).
- The Nationals rank 4th in the league for strikeouts against this season (683).
- The Nationals rank 27th in the league for opponent batting average this season (.263).
Cardinals vs Nationals Prediction
The Cardinals won seven of the previous ten H2H encounters, including the last four. The Cards already swept the Nationals in three games this season in D.C., and covered the run line in all three. I am backing them to do it again on Tuesday. Jake Irvin posted a bloated 7.01 ERA in June and allowed three runs in his latest start against the Tigers. St. Louis struggled offensively of late, but I am sure they will bounce back against Irvin here. Sonny Gray, on the other hand, is the Cardinals’ ace, and I am backing him to bounce back from his recent start, in which he surrendered four runs in 6.1 innings against Pittsburgh. Back the hosts to win and cover.