Cardinals Have the Edge Over Padres in Series Opener Prediction

In this article, we provide a prediction for the opening game of a four-game weekend series between the San Diego Padres and the St. Louis Cardinals. Both teams are coming off rubber game losses in their previous series. The Cardinals won the season series last year, but the teams split their most recent meetings in St. Louis. This prediction was made before the conclusion of the Cardinals' game on Wednesday. Stay tuned for updates from MLB cappers.

Betting Odds

Moneyline: Padres +118 | Cardinals -137
Spread: Padres +1.5 (-184) | Cardinals -1.5 (+152)
Total: Over/Under 8 (-110)
Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that St. Louis will win straight-up is 58%.

San Diego Padres

The San Diego Padres fell to a 3-3 record since the All-Star break after being beaten in the rubber game of their road set with the Marlins on Wednesday afternoon. Despite entering the game with a 55-47 record and holding the final wild card spot in the National League, the Padres struggled offensively, finishing with seven hits and going just two for six with runners in scoring position. Dylan Cease took the loss on the mound, allowing three runs over five innings. Yu Darvish will make his fourth start of the season for the Padres, looking to improve on his 0-2 record and 6.08 ERA. Darvish has a career record of 2-4 with a 3.20 ERA against the Cardinals, and has struggled in four career starts at Busch Stadium, going 0-2 with a 2.70 ERA.

St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals are struggling since the All-Star break, dropping to 1-4 in their last five games. They are currently third in the NL Central, 8.5 games behind the top spot. In their previous game against Colorado, they finished with 11 hits but went just two of 10 with runners in scoring position. Erick Fedde took the loss, allowing six runs over three innings. Sonny Gray will start for the Cardinals in the series opener, looking to improve on his recent performance. Gray is 9-4 with a 4.04 ERA this season and has a good track record against the Padres.

Redbirds have the Edge as Padres Struggle Post All-Star Break

Both teams have faced challenges following the All-Star break and must travel back after playing on the road Wednesday afternoon. Darvish has struggled since returning from a lengthy absence at the start of the season, making just three starts. Gray had a difficult outing in his last road game against Arizona, but boasts an impressive 6-1 record with a 2.83 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 73 strikeouts, and only four home runs allowed in 12 home starts this year. Considering Darvish's pitching struggles and the Padres' lackluster performance against the Marlins earlier in the week, the Redbirds appear to have the upper hand in this match.

Sources: [ 4 ] [ 5 ] [ 6 ] [ 7 ]

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