Los Angeles Dodgers vs St. Louis Cardinals Spread Prediction 8/18
Read our expert spread prediction for the Los Angeles Dodgers vs. St. Louis Cardinals game on August 18. Get the latest odds, betting trends, and in-depth team analysis.
Game Summary
The Los Angeles Dodgers will face off against the St. Louis Cardinals on August 18 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. This matchup is crucial for both teams as they look to strengthen their positions in the playoff race. The Dodgers come into this game with a record of 60-62, having struggled in recent weeks, while the Cardinals hold a more favorable record of 72-51, showcasing their strong performance this season.
The Dodgers have been inconsistent, managing only 502 runs this season, ranking them 23rd in MLB. They have recorded 1014 hits, which puts them 15th overall. Their batting average sits at .245, a stat that emphasizes their struggles at the plate. On the pitching side, they have an ERA of 4.21, placing them 20th in the league. Sonny Gray, their probable starter for this matchup, has a record of 11-7 and an ERA of 3.93, which reflects a solid performance despite the team's overall struggles.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals have been a powerhouse this season, leading the league with 609 runs scored, ranking 4th in MLB. Their hitting is effective, with a total of 1062 hits at an impressive .253 batting average. Their pitching staff has also performed well, boasting a 3.77 ERA, which ranks them 7th in the league. Clayton Kershaw, the starter for the Cardinals, has had a rough season with a record of 1-2 and an ERA of 3.50 but is still a formidable presence on the mound.
Historically, the Dodgers and Cardinals have had competitive matchups, often coming down to the wire. The Cardinals will look to utilize their home-field advantage, where they have a strong record of 38-22 this season. The game is expected to attract a good crowd, given the significance of the matchup for both teams.
As we look at the odds, the Dodgers are favored to win by -1.5 runs, indicating a tight contest. The Cardinals, on the other hand, are given +1.5 runs, making them the underdogs but still in a strong position based on their recent performance. The stakes are high, and this game could be pivotal in determining the playoff picture in the National League.
Odds and Betting Lines
| Bet Type | Odds |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles Dodgers Spread | -1.5 (+128) |
| St. Louis Cardinals Spread | +1.5 (-154) |
Pitching Probables
| Pitcher | W-L | ERA | WHIP | IP | H | K | BB | HR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clayton Kershaw (STL) | 1-2 | 3.50 | 1.39 | 18.0 | 20 | 17 | 5 | 1 |
| Sonny Gray (LAD) | 11-7 | 3.93 | 1.08 | 130.2 | 110 | 162 | 31 | 17 |
Team Previews
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers' hitting has been a weakness this season, particularly under pressure situations. With their current batting average of .245, they have room for improvement. Key players like Masyn Winn, who holds a .275 average, need to step up to bolster the lineup. On the pitching side, Sonny Gray has provided stability, but the bullpen has been inconsistent, contributing to the team's struggles.
St. Louis Cardinals
On the other hand, the Cardinals have showcased a potent offense this season, with Shohei Ohtani leading the way with 37 home runs and 86 RBIs. Their overall hitting has been more productive, with Freddie Freeman also contributing significantly with a .292 average. The Cardinals' pitching staff, led by Kershaw and a solid bullpen, has been effective, but Kershaw's struggles this season could play a critical role in this matchup.
Team Injuries
Los Angeles Dodgers
| Player Name | Position | Injury | Injury Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blake Treinen | RP | Hip | Expected to be out until at least Aug 20 |
| Tyler Glasnow | SP | Elbow | Expected to be out until at least Aug 31 |
| Max Muncy | 3B | Oblique | Expected to be out until at least Aug 20 |
| Emmet Sheehan | SP | Elbow | Out for the season |
St. Louis Cardinals
| Player Name | Position | Injury | Injury Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Siani | CF | Oblique | Expected to be out until at least Aug 30 |
Betting Trends
- The Dodgers are 4-6 in their last 10 games.
- The Cardinals are 7-3 in their last 10 games.
- The Dodgers have a 3-7 record against the spread in their last 10 games.
- The Cardinals have covered the spread in 8 of their last 10 games.
Recent Games
Los Angeles Dodgers
| Opponent | Score | W/L |
|---|---|---|
| vs Pittsburgh | W9-5 | W |
| vs Pittsburgh | W4-1 | W |
| vs Philadelphia | L6-2 | L |
| vs Philadelphia | L9-4 | L |
| vs Philadelphia | W5-3 | W |
St. Louis Cardinals
| Opponent | Score | W/L |
|---|---|---|
| @ Kansas City | W8-5 | W |
| @ Kansas City | L8-3 | L |
| @ Cincinnati | L6-1 | L |
| @ Cincinnati | L4-1 | L |
| @ Cincinnati | L9-2 | L |
Team Rankings
| Team | Hitting | Starting Pitching | Relief Pitching | Fielding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Dodgers | 23rd | 20th | 2nd | 26th |
| St. Louis Cardinals | 4th | 7th | 4th | 22nd |
Significant Betting Stats
- Dodgers are 4-1 in their last 5 games against the spread.
- Cardinals are 5-3 in their last 8 games against the spread.
- Dodgers have won 7 of their last 10 games against NL Central opponents.
- Cardinals are 6-1 in their last 7 games at home.
- Dodgers have a 3-5 record in their last 8 road games.
- Cardinals are 7-2 in their last 9 games overall.
- Dodgers are 4-0 in their last 4 games against left-handed starters.
- Cardinals are 2-5 in their last 7 games against right-handed starters.
- Dodgers are 5-1 in their last 6 games following a win.
- Cardinals are 5-3 in their last 8 games following a loss.
Weather
Intermittent clouds with a temperature of 86°F are expected during the game.
