St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Prediction: Can Paul Goldschmidt and the Cardinals Bounce Back?

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Prediction: Can Paul Goldschmidt and the Cardinals Bounce Back?

The St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers will close out a three-game series tonight in Busch Stadium with the series on the line. The rubber match proves pivotal for both teams, but especially to the Cardinals, as they are in a tight race with the Brewers for the top spot in the NL Central.

Let's get into my prediction, pick, and odds for Thursday's game between the Cardinals and Dodgers.

Cardinals vs. Dodgers Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds

• Date: July 14, 2022
• Game Time: 7:15 pm ET
• Where to Watch: MLB.TV

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Cardinals vs. Dodgers Line Movement

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Prediction

The Cardinals, frankly, could have been playing for the sweep tonight. They jumped out to a 6-0 lead on the lowest-ERA pitcher in the MLB entering last night, Tony Gonsolin, before the defense imploded in the final few innings, as the Dodgers rallied back to win 7-6. Both games in the series have been tight, as the Cardinals won the first game 7-6 and then lost by one run last night.

The Cardinal's bats have been excellent in this series. They have put up 13 runs in two games against one of the better rotations in the league. They also embarrassed Gonsolin, handing him his worst start of the year by far. Gonsolin had yet to allow more than two runs in a start before last night. This now marks four games in a row that the Cardinals have scored four or more runs, and they have all come against good pitchers.

The Cardinals now have a much more favorable matchup than the first two games. They are facing a left-hand pitcher, and the Cardinals mash southpaws. They are among the best teams in the league against lefties with a .261 average. That average increases to .278 at home, and they are averaging 6.82 runs/9 against lefties at home this season.

The Cardinals have been playing excellent in this series and have been excellent at home all season. This game is arguably the best pitching matchup the Cardinals have had all series as well. The Cardinals have a sour taste in their mouth after last night's heartbreaking loss, and I expect them their bats to show up again tonight after the left-handed Tyler Anderson. The Dodgers are not an easy team to fade, as they're one of the best teams in the league, but the Cardinals should take this one, or at least keep it close.

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Prediction

Play: Cardinals +1.5 @ -130 (Bet $130 to win $100)

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