Cardinals vs Dodgers Prediction MLB Picks Today 5/18
- Lm Tipster
- May 18, 2023, 3:36:25 AM
© Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Introduction:
In an exciting matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the St. Louis Cardinals, both teams will look to assert their dominance on the field. With potent lineups and a history of high-scoring games, this matchup has all the ingredients for an offensive showcase. In this article, we will delve into the pitching analysis, hitting analysis, and key injuries for both teams. Ultimately, we will provide an informed prediction on why the over is the best bet for this game.
Pitching Analysis:
The Dodgers will send left-hander Julio Urias to the mound, while the Cardinals will counter with veteran right-hander Adam Wainwright. Julio Urias has been solid this season, posting a 3.61 ERA and 1.07 WHIP. However, he has shown vulnerability at times, particularly against strong offensive teams. The Cardinals, with players like Nolan Gorman and Paul Goldschmidt leading the way, have the potential to exploit Urias' weaknesses and put up runs on the board.
On the other side, Adam Wainwright has struggled in his limited appearances this season, sporting a 7.20 ERA and a 1.70 WHIP. His struggles can be attributed to command issues and difficulty in keeping the ball in the park. Against a stacked Dodgers lineup, which includes power hitters like Max Muncy, Wainwright could face significant challenges on the mound.
Hitting Analysis:
The Dodgers possess a powerful lineup capable of putting runs on the board in a hurry. Max Muncy leads the team in home runs with 14, while players like Freddie Freeman provide consistent hitting with a .310 batting average. With their ability to drive in runs and hit for power, the Dodgers have the potential to create scoring opportunities throughout the game.
The Cardinals, led by Nolan Gorman and Paul Goldschmidt, have shown resilience on offense. Gorman's 10 home runs and 33 RBIs, along with Goldschmidt's impressive batting average of .311, give the Cardinals a strong offensive foundation. Against a pitcher like Urias, who has shown vulnerability, the Cardinals have the ability to capitalize and generate runs.
Injury Report:
Both teams have a few players on the injury report. For the Dodgers, Jimmy Nelson is on the 60-day IL, which could impact their bullpen depth. The Cardinals, on the other hand, have Dylan Carlson, Packy Naughton, and Tyler O'Neill listed as day-to-day on the injury report. While these injuries may have some impact, the overall offensive capabilities of both teams remain intact.
Prediction
Taking into consideration the pitching matchup and the offensive firepower of both teams, we predict that the over is the best bet for this game. Julio Urias has shown vulnerability against strong offensive teams, and Adam Wainwright has struggled to keep runs off the board. With potent lineups on both sides, featuring players like Max Muncy, Nolan Gorman, and Paul Goldschmidt, the likelihood of a high-scoring game is quite high.
Both pitchers have shown inconsistencies this season, and with the hitter-friendly Busch Stadium as the backdrop, the conditions are favorable for runs to be scored. The combination of the Dodgers' powerful lineup and the Cardinals' resilience on offense further supports the expectation of a high-scoring game. The over/under line is set at 8.5 runs, and we anticipate that both teams will surpass that total.
The Dodgers' ability to hit for power, coupled with the Cardinals' lineup featuring strong hitters, sets the stage for a potential slugfest. The hitters will have the advantage in this matchup, exploiting the pitchers' struggles and taking advantage of the hitter-friendly stadium. Expect to see plenty of extra-base hits, home runs, and scoring opportunities throughout the game.
Additionally, it is worth noting that both Julio Urias and Adam Wainwright have struggled in specific situations. Urias has had difficulties against right-handed hitters, while Wainwright has struggled against left-handed hitters. These weaknesses could be exposed by the opposing lineups, leading to more offensive production.
For those looking to make a wager on this game, betting on the over is the recommended choice. The combination of struggling pitchers and potent lineups, along with the hitter-friendly environment, creates a favorable scenario for the total runs scored to exceed the set line. Both teams have the ability to put up runs in bunches, and this game has all the makings of a high-scoring affair.
Pick: Over 8.5 runs
