In this article, we will formulate a Padres vs Cardinals prediction for this MLB game on Saturday, August 2, at PETCO Park in San Diego, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.
St. Louis Cardinals Betting Preview
The St. Louis Cardinals (55-56, 23-32 Away) are winless (in a series) in the second half of the season. Following a sweep at the hands of the Diamondbacks, the Cardinals lost to the Rockies, split with the Padres, and lost to the Marlins. In Game 1 of the series with San Diego, the Cards committed three errors and lost 4-1. Willson Contreras hit a solo homer, which was the team’s lone run, while Matthew Liberatore took the loss after allowing four runs (one earned) on four hits with one strikeout and two walks in 4.1 innings.
This year, the Cardinals average 4.36 runs per game (14th in the MLB) on a .249/.319/.388 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Cardinals’ staff has a 4.17 ERA (19th) and 1.28 WHIP (17th). Willson Contreras leads the Cardinals with a .257 batting average, 15 home runs, and 62 RBI this season.
The projected starting pitcher for the Cardinals is Michael McGreevy, who is 2-2 in five starts this season, with a 4.91 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 33.0 innings.
San Diego Padres Betting Preview
The San Diego Padres (61-49, 35-18 Home) are on a six-game winning run after beating the Cardinals in the opening game of this series. Prior to this series, the Padres swept the New York Mets in three games. In Friday’s 4-1 victory, Jackson Merrill led the offense with two RBI, while Nick Pivetta got the win after allowing one run on one hit with five strikeouts and no walks across 7.0 innings of work.
This season, the Padres average 4.08 runs per game (24th in the MLB) on a .250/.318/.378 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Padres’ staff has a 3.52 ERA (3rd) and 1.21 WHIP (4th). Manny Machado leads the Padres with a .302 batting average, 20 home runs, and 71 RBI this season.
Randy Vasquez will take the mound for the Padres on Saturday. The 26-year-old right-hander has a 3-4 record in 21 starts this year with a 3.65 ERA and 1.37 WHIP in 103.2 innings.
Why the Padres will beat the Cardinals
- The Padres have won each of their last six games against National League opponents.
- The Cardinals have lost eight of their last nine games at Petco Park against teams that held a winning record.
- The Padres have covered the run line in seven of their last eight home games.
- The Cardinals have failed to cover the run line in seven of their last eight road games against National League opponents.
- The Padres have led after 3 innings in each of their last five Saturday night games against the Cardinals at Petco Park.
- The Padres have led after 5 innings in each of their last eight Saturday night games against the Cardinals.
Total Runs Facts
- Five of the Cardinals’ last six night games as underdogs have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- Five of the Padres’ last six games as favorites against the Cardinals have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Cardinals’ last six night games against National League opponents.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Padres’ last five games as home favorites.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Padres rank 29th in the league for home runs this season (92).
- The Padres rank 2nd in the league for ERA this season (3.52).
- The Cardinals rank 3rd in the league for doubles this season (195).
- The Cardinals rank 3rd in the league for walks allowed this season (290).
Padres vs Cardinals Prediction
The Padres won six of the previous ten H2H encounters, including the last three, while this season, San Diego leads 3-2. I am backing the Friars to get another W on Saturday because I prefer Randy Vasquez over Michael McGreevy. Vasquez’s latest start was against St. Louis, and he allowed one run in 4.2 innings. I expect more of the same from him. Vasquez posted a 2.79 ERA in July. McGreevy, on the other hand, was dismantled in his most recent start against San Diego, when he surrendered seven runs in 4.2 innings. Although I don’t think he will struggle that much again, I do believe the Padres have a favorable matchup here. Go with the Padres.