The St Louis Cardinals (50-55) begin a pivotal three game series in Washington D.C. against the surprisingly hot Nationals (48-60) at RFK Stadium. The Cardinals, trying to stay within shouting distance of NL Central Division leaders (Cubs, Brewers) played miserably their last two games losing a three game series to the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Nationals have not been kind to visiting teams lately having won every home series over the past month.
The prospects of St Louis getting off to a good start in game-one tonight look bleak as they send RHP Kip Wells (4-13, 5.72 ERA) to the mound. Wells is hoping to avoid becoming the leagues first 14 game loser. Wells will be opposed by RHP Tim Redding (1-2, 2.64 ERA). Redding joined the club in early July and has pitched brilliantly in five starts limiting opponents to three or fewer runs in all five outings.
Oddsmakers at online wagering giant Sportsbook.com favor the Cardinals to win the three-game set (-120) in spite of the current series home winning streak by the Nationals. Oddsmakers currently have the Nationals listed as -109-moneyline favorites versus the Cardinals for Game-One tonight, while the game's total is sitting at 9.
The Cardinals fell 5-4 to the Pirates last time out, as -120 favorites at PNC Park. The nine runs were a PUSH against the posted over/under (9).
The Nationals completed a three-game sweep of the Cincinnati Reds with a 7-3 win in Thursday's series finale at RFK Stadium. The Nationals won the game as -130 favorites, and the 10 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (9).
Washington won the game as a-130 favorite, and the 10 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (9).
Reno Goldberg’s pick: Kip Wells pitched well in his last outing getting a rare road win at Milwaukee but on the season he has been the leagues most ineffective starter. I am not betting on lightening striking twice so I will go with the Nationals at home in both the series (-110) and first game Friday night (-109)
