This will be the second series between these two teams this season. Previously, the Braves hosted the Cardinals for a four-game series. The Braves were able to get the best of them in that one, winning three of four.
On the mound for the Cardinals this evening will be Jon Lester (3-5 5.02), making his first start for the Redbirds. The Braves will counter with a lefty of their own in Max Fried (7-7 4.32).
Atlanta Has to Find Consistency
Coming back from the All-Star break, the Braves were a team that were going to need to get it going to try and fight their way back to the top of the division. Since the break, the team has yet to win back-to-back games or lose back-to-back games. Every game, they have done the exact opposite of what they did in the game previously.
While it is nice to not have to come back from a losing streak, they need to find ways to string wins together.
Two players leading the way for the Braves offense are Austin Riley and Freddie Freeman. Riley and Freeman have both played in every game for the Braves this season. Riley is hitting .289 with 63 rbi’s and 22 hr’s. Freeman is neck and neck with him hitting .288 with 59 rbi’s and 23 hr’s.
Max Fried will toe the rubber for the Braves. If there is one concern for Fried, it is the amount of hits he is giving up. He has thrown almost 92 innings this season and has given up 91 hits. While he has done a nice job of missing bats, 94 strikeouts, he has struggled to be effective all the time.
Continuing to Win Series
The Cardinals come into this game after winning two of three from a rebuilding Twins team. At this point in the season for the Cardinals, any win is a good win. They are almost ten games out of first in both the division and the Wild Card. If they can continue to score runs, 13 runs in their last three games, they have a chance to make a little run with an easier second-half schedule.
Offensively, the Cardinals have been playing behind a nice surprise in Harrison Bader. Since the All-Star break, the Cardinals have played 15 games, Bader has had seven multiple-hit games in those 15. Hitting .286 this season; he has only played about half the season but still had added 9 hr’s and 27 rbi’s.
Cardinals fans everywhere are hoping he can continue this type of production.
On the hill for the Cardinals tonight, making his first start in the Cardinals jersey will be Jon Lester. After being traded from the Nationals for outfielder Lane Thomas, Lester will be on the mound tonight. Lester, who was in his first season out of the National League Central since 2014, has been an average at best starter, hoping a change of scenery may help him get back to his winning ways.
Betting Analysis
- Atlanta Braves Moneyline -125
- St. Louis Cardinals Moneyline +115
- Total Runs: 8½ Over -115, Under -105
The Braves are hitting .240 against left-handed pitching this season. The Cardinals are only hitting .237. The Braves have been decent on the road, 25-27, while the Cardinals have been much better at home, 30-21.
Free Pick: Over 8½ Runs (-115)