St Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals appear to be on an upward trend of late, currently sitting at 57-49. Star 1st Baseman Paul Goldschmidt is in very solid form, putting up 25 home runs to go with 58 RBI. Short Stop Paul DeJong has also impressed, adding 18 home runs and 50 RBI of his own. Jack Flaherty is slated to pitch here, going a pedestrian 4-6 with a 4.17 ERA so far.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs have had a very similar season to their opponents, sitting at 56-50 so far. 1st Baseman Anthony Rizzo remains an elite offensive contributor, going for 21 home runs and 79 RBI on the campaign. He has been complimented nicely by Short Stop Javier Baez, who has 25 home runs and 69 RBI of his own. Ace Jon Lester will pitch in this one, going 9-6 with a 3.63 ERA on the campaign.
Prediction: Cubs $2.15
Even as the road underdog, I really fancy the Cubs in this one. Lester is still one of the best pitchers in the league and I think he can contain a top-heavy St Louis lineup. If Flaherty’s struggles continue against Chicago’s strong hitting, this $2.15 price represents very good value.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers are looking every bit like world series contenders, going 71-39 to this point. Cody Bellinger keeps making the headlines, dominating opposing pitchers with 34 home runs and 80 RBI this campaign. Max Muncy has also been in incredible form of late, totalling 26 home runs and 70 RBI of his own. Ace Clayton Kershaw will pitch here, going an outstanding 9-2 with a 2.85 ERA this season.
San Diego Padres
The Padres have really fallen out of the playoff mix, now sitting at just 50-57. Left Fielder Hunter Renfroe is still supplying the big hits, putting up a clubhouse-leading 29 home runs to go with 58 RBI. Short Stop Manny Machado has also been stellar, adding 26 home runs and 67 RBI of his own. Joey Lucchesi will pitch in this one, going 7-5 with a 4.12 ERA through 111 innings.
Prediction: Dodgers $1.50
Despite a relatively low price, it’s tough to fade Kershaw with this lineup at home. With the playoffs getting further and further out of reach, I’m not sure we’ll see the same fight from San Diego here. Expect another Kershaw and Bellinger home masterclass as LA comfortably cruise to a home victory.