MLB Picks: Cardinals vs Brewers MLB Betting Odds – July 9, 2009

MLB Picks: The Cardinals and Brewers will play the finale of their three game set at Milwaukee today with the series and division lead on the line. Milwaukee evened the series last night and closed to within a game of St. Louis in the National League Central standings by scoring a 5-4 win. Online bookmaker BetUS.com has the Cardinals listed as a -120 moneyline favorite in their MLB Picks: Cardinals vs Brewers MLB Betting Odds – July 9, 2009.

The Brewers did not get a great performance from starter Jeff Suppan yesterday, but the bullpen held the Cardinals scoreless for over three innings to help secure the win. Prince Fielder broke up a 4-4 tie in the bottom of the eighth with an infield single that scored what proved to be the game winning run.

The game two win improved Milwaukee to 44-40 overall and it brought their Miller Park record to 23-19. The Brew Crew is now just a game back of St. Louis and two games ahead of the third place Cubs.

Ken Macha has penciled in California native Manny Parra for the start today. The left-handed Parra has struggled all season long, going 3-8 in 13 starts with 7.52 ERA. The 26 year old has walked 41 while striking out just 55 and opponents are hitting .311 against him. In five home starts, Parra is 1-3 with a 5.47 ERA. This will be his eighth career appearance against the Cards; he is 1-1 with a 3.70 ERA in his previous seven outings versus St. Louis.

The Cardinals fell to 46-40 with last night's loss while their road record stayed a slightly above .500 22-20. Tony LaRussa's squad is now 8-14 against  Milwaukee since last season, but 5-5 at Miller Park.

LaRussa will counter Parra with right-hander Joel Pineiro. Pineiro has been solid all season, despite his 6-9 record. In 16 starts, the 30 year old has produced a 3.39 ERA, but has been a victim of poor run support for most of the year. St. Louis has lost nine of Pineiro's last 11 starts as a result of their 2.45 run per average over that span.

Pineiro in 1-0 in three career starts versus Milwaukee with a 3.26 ERA. He is 3-5 in nine road starts this season with a 4.11 ERA.

This afternoon's game is slated for a 2:05pm ET start at Miller Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

BetUS.com MLB Picks: Cardinals vs Brewers MLB Betting Odds – July 9, 2009

St. Louis Cardinals -1.5 (+140), Over 9.5 (+105), -120 (Moneyline)

Milwaukee Brewers +1.5 (-160), Under 9.5 (-125), +105 (Moneyline)

Bet on sports at online sportsbook BetUS.com and receive up to 145% in Cash Bonuses and start winning today!