Game Information
St. Louis Cardinals (65-69) vs Pittsburgh Pirates (59-75)
Time: 1:15pm CT Thursday
How to watch: FanDuel Sports Network
Probable pitchers: Miles Mikolas (6-10, 5.17 ERA) vs Braxton Ashcraft (4-2, 2.70 ERA)
DraftKings Odds
Moneyline: Cardinals -121, Pirates +101
Total: 8.5 (over -105, under -117)
Cards Play Pirates On Getaway Day
The St. Louis Cardinals hope to salvage a split of their four-game series with the Pittsburgh Pirates when the two teams battle this afternoon at Busch Stadium.
The Redbirds have struggled against the Pirates this year, having lost the season series with a record of 5-7.
Mikolas Gets The Call
The Cards send Miles Mikolas to the hill this afternoon. He is coming off a horrific start in Tampa Bay his last time out with 5 runs allowed (4 earned) on 10 hits in just 2.2 innings.
However, Mikolas has actually been solid at home this season with a 3.70 ERA. He has also been serviceable against mediocre to bad teams. In 16 starts this year against teams not currently in playoff position, Mikolas has posted a 3.80 ERA.
Ashcraft In A Groove
The Pirates continue to play well having won six of their last seven, and they have been carried by their pitching during this stretch. The Buccos have permitted 0 or 1 runs in five of those six victories.
It’ll be Braxton Ashcraft getting the starting assignment today. The right-hander has been getting stretched out recently and has really excelled. Over his last three starts, Ashcraft has pitched 13.1 innings and given up just 2 runs on 7 hits with 2 walks and 15 strikeouts - that’s a 1.35 ERA and 0.68 WHIP.
My Pick
This is a weekday afternoon getaway day game for both teams, which means I’m going to be on the under in the first five innings.
Ashcraft won’t pitch very deep in the game, but I don’t need him to for this bet.
And I know it has been frustrating watching Mikolas this season, but as referenced above, he has been solid both at home and against mediocre to bad teams.
I really like getting under 4.5 in the first five innings at plus money.
Pick: Under 4.5 in the first five innings at +105 on DraftKings (bet to -110)
Eric Sontag hosts Domesticated Gamblers every Wednesday night on the STL Sports Central YouTube channel. Follow him on X @GamblingDads, and click here for his daily picks on all of our St. Louis area sports teams. Picks = betting the game - minus odds betting to win 1 unit, plus odds risking 1 unit. Leans = no strong opinion, not betting the game. Disclaimer