Game Summary

The St. Louis Cardinals (64-64) will meet the Minnesota Twins (71-57) at Target Field in Minneapolis on August 24, 2024, at 7:10 PM EDT. This game is crucial for both teams as they aim for playoff positions in their respective divisions. The Cardinals are currently second in the NL Central, trying to gain ground on the leaders, while the Twins are third in the AL Central, looking to solidify their playoff spot.

In their recent performances, the Cardinals have gone 4-6 in their last 10 games, struggling slightly with a .237 batting average and a 3.99 ERA. Conversely, the Twins have balanced out their recent stretch with a 5-5 record, boasting a .259 batting average and an impressive 3.88 ERA, outscoring their opponents by nine runs in that span.

Historically, the Cardinals and Twins have faced off twice this season, with the Cardinals looking to gain the upper hand after a recent victory against them. The Cardinals’ hitters, led by Alec Burleson and Nolan Arenado, are performing well, while the Twins will rely on Carlos Santana and Trevor Larnach to keep the offense rolling.

Player Prop Odds

Here are the current player prop odds for Royce Lewis:

• Batter Doubles: Over 0.5 (+275)
• Batter Hits: Over 1.5 (+220)
• Batter Home Runs: Over 0.5 (+390)
• Batter RBIs: Over 0.5 (+135)
• Batter Runs Scored: Over 0.5 (-115)
• Batter Singles: Over 0.5 (-105)
• Batter Total Bases: Over 1.5 (-105)

Player Analysis

Royce Lewis has been a key contributor to the Twins' offense this season. With a batting average of .280, he ranks among the top hitters on the team. His power is evident with 21 home runs and 70 RBIs, showcasing his ability to drive in runs when it matters most.

His recent form has been solid, and he has consistently found ways to get on base. With the current prop odds suggesting that Lewis could easily exceed 1.5 hits, his ability to connect with the ball will be crucial against the Cardinals' pitching staff.

Opposing Analysis

The Cardinals' pitching staff, led by Sonny Gray, has had a mixed season. Gray holds a respectable 3.91 ERA with 168 strikeouts. However, he has shown vulnerability against right-handed batters, which Lewis is. This matchup could favor Lewis, especially with his current form and confidence at the plate.

In addition, the Twins have been effective at capitalizing on pitchers who struggle with control. The Cardinals' bullpen has also been inconsistent, which could bode well for Lewis’s chances of contributing to the Twins' scoring efforts.

Prop Analysis

Analyzing the prop odds, several stand out for Royce Lewis. The over 1.5 hits at +220 seems plausible given his recent performance and the Cardinals' pitching struggles. Additionally, the over 0.5 RBIs at +135 is also a good bet, as Lewis has been effective in driving in runs.

His odds for home runs (+390) indicate that while it's a long shot, his power potential makes it worth considering, especially if the game turns into a slugfest. Given the Twins' tendency to score runs at home, Lewis could easily contribute to the scoreboard.

Starting Pitching Summary - Cardinals

Sonny Gray will take the mound for the Cardinals. With an 11-8 record and a 3.91 ERA, he has been a reliable starter for St. Louis. Gray has a solid WHIP of 1.11 and has struck out 168 batters this season. However, his tendency to give up home runs (18 this season) could come into play, especially against a power hitter like Lewis.

Starting Pitching Summary - Twins

Pablo Lopez will start for the Twins. He holds a record of 11-8 with a 4.47 ERA and a WHIP of 1.16. Lopez has been more vulnerable against left-handed hitters, which could be a factor if the Cardinals adjust their lineup. The matchup against Gray could also lead to a competitive game, with both pitchers looking to set the tone early.

Bullpen Summary - Cardinals

The Cardinals' bullpen has been a mixed bag this season, with an ERA of 4.09. While they have depth, they have struggled to close out games consistently. This could be an opportunity for Lewis to capitalize on late-game situations.

Bullpen Summary - Twins

The Twins feature one of the top bullpens in the league, holding a 3.50 ERA. They have been effective in high-leverage situations, which could limit scoring opportunities for the Cardinals late in the game.

Team Previews

The Cardinals rank seventh in the NL with a team batting average of .254 and have amassed 624 runs this season. Their pitching staff has a combined ERA of 4.09, placing them in the middle of the pack. If they can tighten up their bullpen, they have the potential to compete for a playoff spot.

The Twins are fifth in the AL, averaging 1.2 home runs per game with a total of 156 home runs this season. Their pitching has been slightly better than the Cardinals, with a team ERA of 4.14. They will need their offense to continue powering through as they chase a playoff berth.

Team Injuries

**Cardinals Injuries:**

• Mike Siani (CF) - Oblique - Expected to be out until at least Aug 30
• Steven Matz (SP) - Back - Expected to be out until at least Sep 1

**Twins Injuries:**

• Ryan Jeffers (C) - Hand - Expected to be out until at least Aug 25

Recent Games

**Cardinals Recent Games:**

**Twins Recent Games:**