Game Summary

The St. Louis Cardinals (69-68) will take on the Milwaukee Brewers (81-57) at American Family Field, a crucial game in the latter stages of the MLB season. The Cardinals are coming off a significant win against the New York Mets, where they scored 14 runs, showcasing their offensive prowess. Meanwhile, the Brewers are looking to solidify their playoff position after a recent win against the same Mets team.

Historically, this matchup has seen the Cardinals perform well against the Brewers, particularly in tight contests. The Cardinals rank 5th in runs scored this season with 668, while the Brewers sit tied for 22nd with 572 runs. The Cardinals' offense has been bolstered by players like Burleson, who has been providing key contributions through his batting.

The venue, American Family Field, typically favors hitters, and with the weather partly sunny and a temperature of 77°F, conditions will be conducive for a high-scoring game. Recent performances show that both teams have been inconsistent, but the Cardinals have the upper hand in terms of batting average (.253) compared to the Brewers (.249).

With the stakes high, this game will be pivotal for both teams as they jockey for playoff positioning. The Cardinals are known for their resilience, making this a must-watch matchup.

Player Prop Odds

• Batter Doubles: 0.5 (+300)
• Batter Hits: 1.5 (+175)
• Batter RBIs: 0.5 (+155)
• Batter Runs Scored: 0.5 (-110)
• Batter Total Bases: 1.5 (-105)

Player Analysis

Alec Burleson has been a standout performer for the Cardinals this season. With a batting average of .281, he has made a significant impact in crucial moments. His ability to get on base and generate runs is highlighted by his 21 home runs and 72 RBIs, making him a key player in the lineup.

Burleson's recent form has been impressive, and he has shown a knack for producing hits in critical situations. His on-base percentage has hovered around .350, demonstrating his ability to work counts and find pitches to drive. His plate discipline has improved, which is essential for success against a Brewers pitching staff that has been inconsistent this season.

When analyzing Burleson's prop chances, particularly for total bases and runs scored, his ability to hit consistently against right-handed pitchers should be noted. The Brewers are starting Steven Matz, who has struggled with a 6.18 ERA in his last outings.

Opposing Analysis

The Brewers' pitching, led by Matz, has shown vulnerability, particularly against left-handed hitters. Burleson, being a lefty, presents a matchup that could favor his prop odds. Matz has allowed 37 hits and 11 walks in just 27.2 innings pitched this season, indicating that he can be hit hard if Burleson finds his rhythm early in the game.

Furthermore, the Brewers' bullpen has been inconsistent, ranking 18th in ERA at 4.16. This could open opportunities for Burleson to capitalize if the game progresses into later innings with the score close.

Prop Analysis

Let's break down the prop odds for Burleson:

• Batter Hits (1.5): At +175, this prop reflects Burleson's ability to get at least two hits against a struggling Matz. Given his current form and Matz’s recent struggles, this prop offers good value.
• Batter RBIs (0.5): At +155, this is a favorable bet as he is likely to be in scoring positions, especially if the Cardinals can generate offense against Matz.
• Batter Runs Scored (0.5): This prop at -110 indicates that oddsmakers expect Burleson to score at least once, which is possible given his ability to reach base and the Cardinals’ overall offensive strength.
• Batter Total Bases (1.5): With odds at -105, this prop suggests that Burleson needs to be involved in multiple scoring plays, which is very likely with the current pitching matchup.

Starting Pitching Summary - Cardinals

Aaron Civale will take the mound for the Cardinals. His season stats show a 4.59 ERA with a WHIP of 1.34. He has been effective in limiting runs and has pitched deep into games, which is crucial for the Cardinals' success. Civale's ability to keep the Brewers' hitters at bay will be critical, especially if he can provide the offense with a lead.

Starting Pitching Summary - Brewers

Steven Matz's performance has been erratic, with a 6.18 ERA and a WHIP of 1.73. His struggles against left-handed hitters could play a significant role in this matchup. If Burleson can find his rhythm early, it could lead to a productive game for him and the Cardinals.

Bullpen Summary - Cardinals

The Cardinals' bullpen has been solid this season with a 3.63 ERA, ranking 3rd in the league. Their depth and ability to close out games will be crucial in maintaining any lead established by Civale. This reliability allows the offense to play with more freedom, knowing they have a strong bullpen backing them.

Bullpen Summary - Brewers

The Brewers have struggled in the bullpen with a 4.16 ERA. This inconsistency opens the door for Burleson to capitalize on late-game situations where he can increase his total bases, hits, and RBIs.

Team Previews

The Cardinals have demonstrated offensive strength, ranking 5th in runs scored and 8th in batting average. Their recent form, particularly against right-handed pitchers, has been promising. Meanwhile, the Brewers have shown vulnerability, particularly in their starting rotation and bullpen, which could play into the hands of the Cardinals' hitters.

Team Injuries

Cardinals Injuries

• Lance Lynn (SP) - Expected to be out until at least Sep 7 (Knee)

Brewers Injuries

• Hoby Milner (RP) - Expected to be out until at least Sep 3 (Shoulder)

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Brewers Recent Games