Published May 20, 7:27pm ET by
Paul Lebowitz - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated May 20, 7:27pm ET
Shutterstock
Updated May 20, 7:27pm ET
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| St. Louis Cardinals | +109 |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | -120 |
The Pirates need to get back on track after a recent tough stretch. They had a solid start after spending some money over the winter to bolster a solid, young starting rotation. But with perpetual losers like the Pirates, there's a lingering fear they will come undone and plummet back into last place.
Braxton Garrett gets the start. The righty has a 1.0 bWAR and a 3.09 ERA this season. In 9 starts, he's thrown 55.1 innings, allowed 44 hits and 19 earned runs, walking 14 and striking out 56. He struggled in his last start, allowing 4 earned runs in 6.2 innings against the Phillies.
Brandon Lowe has been hitting for power and has an OPS approaching .900. Oneil Cruz's OPS is closing in on .800. He's near the league lead in stolen bases. Ryan O'Hearn has been a great free agent pickup with an OPS of around .830. Marcell Ozuna's OPS is below .600. Konnor Griffin is holding his own as a rookie with an OPS over .700.
Against Dustin May, Cruz is 1 for 3 with a home run. Nick Gonzales is 2 for 6 with a double. Spencer Horwitz is 2 for 5 with 2 singles. Lowe is 1 for 3 with a home run. Ozuna is 5 for 11 with a double and a home run.
This was supposed to be a transition year for the Cardinals as they moved on from many veterans, cut salary, and tried to get younger. They have started the season well, are in playoff contention, and are one of MLB's biggest surprises.
For the final game of their series against the Pirates, they start tall righty Dustin May.
May has generally been reliable after a horrible first two starts. Against the Rays and Tigers in his first two starts, he allowed 13 earned runs in 7.1 innings. His ERA has steadily declined since then and is down to 4.81.
In total, he's thrown 48.2 innings, allowed 54 hits, and 26 earned runs, walking 15 and striking out 35.
The Cards' bats have been key to their turnaround. Jordan Walker is fulfilling his potential with an OPS approaching .950 and a likely All-Star berth. Alec Burleson has an OPS over .800. JJ Weatherhold's OPS is approaching .800. Mayn Winn has raised his batting average past .250 after a woeful start.
For the Cardinals against Ashcraft, Nolan Gorman is 1 for 4 with a home run. Victor Scott II is 1 for 2 with a home run. Weatherhold is 1 for 2 with a double and a walk. Winn is 1 for 4 with a single. Burleson is 1 for 5 with a double. Ivan Herrera is 1 for 4 with a double and 2 walks.
The Pirates do not want to fall back into old habits. It's easy for a historically bad team as they have been for the past decade-plus to stumble and not be able to get back up. Ashcraft has been good this season. However, the Cardinals are playing very well and May has been solid since his hideous start.
St. Louis will take the final game of the series over Pittsburgh behind May and keep the Pirates plummeting.
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St. Louis Cardinals +109
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