The St. Louis Cardinals (57-57) continue their west coast swing as they visit the Los Angeles Dodgers (65-48) for the second game of their three-game series at Dodger Stadium. After taking the series opener 3-2 on Monday night, the Cardinals look to secure another victory against the NL West leaders. This matchup features a contrast in styles with Miles Mikolas taking the mound for St. Louis against young Dodgers right-hander Emmet Sheehan. With both teams having playoff aspirations but trending in different directions recently, this Tuesday night showdown offers several intriguing betting angles worth exploring.
Quick Picks:
- Best Bet: Under 9 Runs (-110) ★★★★☆
- Top Prop: Miles Mikolas Over 4.5 Strikeouts (-120) ★★★★☆
- Value Play: Cardinals +1.5 Run Line (+135) ★★★☆☆
St. Louis Cardinals vs Los Angeles Dodgers Betting Odds & Latest Line Movement
| Market | St. Louis Cardinals | Los Angeles Dodgers |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | +158 | -190 |
| Run Line | +1.5 (+135) | -1.5 (-155) |
| Total | Over 9 (-110) | Under 9 (-110) |
Opening Line: Dodgers -180, Total 8.5
Sharp Money Analysis: Where Pro Bettors Are Placing Their Wagers
Early money pushed this total up from 8.5 to 9, which initially seems counterintuitive considering Dodger Stadium’s pitcher-friendly reputation (0.940 run factor). However, sharps recognize that both pitchers have been vulnerable this season, and the Dodgers’ bullpen has shown cracks lately. That said, the slight resistance to further movement on the total suggests professional bettors aren’t expecting an offensive explosion. On the side, the Cardinals moneyline has held steady despite taking the opener, indicating professional respect for the Dodgers at home even with their recent offensive struggles.
Pitching Matchup: Miles Mikolas vs Emmet Sheehan – Who Has the Edge?
St. Louis Cardinals: Miles Mikolas (6-8, 4.83 ERA)
- Mikolas has been inconsistent this season but has shown improved command lately with just 23 walks in 108 innings
- Solid 75:23 K:BB ratio shows his control remains a strength even when struggling
- Has pitched better on the road (4.21 ERA) than at home (5.44 ERA) this season
- Has recorded quality starts in 3 of his last 5 outings, suggesting possible late-season improvement
Los Angeles Dodgers: Emmet Sheehan (2-2, 3.60 ERA)
- Young right-hander has shown promise in limited action (25 innings pitched)
- Control has been an issue with 10 walks in 25 innings (3.6 BB/9)
- Strong strikeout potential with 26 Ks in 25 innings (9.4 K/9)
- Has been kept on strict pitch counts as he builds stamina following early-season injury
Advantage: Slight edge to Mikolas based on experience and recent form. While Sheehan has better raw stuff, Mikolas’ veteran savvy and improved road performance give him a marginal advantage, especially considering Sheehan’s likely pitch count limitations.
Bullpen Breakdown
The Cardinals’ bullpen has been surprisingly effective in recent weeks, with JoJo Romero (16 holds) emerging as a reliable setup man. However, their closer situation remains fluid, which creates some late-inning anxiety. The Dodgers’ relief corps is dealing with significant injuries, as Tanner Scott (19 saves), Kirby Yates (3 saves), and Michael Kopech are all currently sidelined. While Alex Vesia (4 saves, 20 holds) has stepped up admirably, the absence of their top arms has created vulnerability that the Cardinals exploited in Monday’s victory. Recent workloads favor St. Louis slightly, as the Dodgers have had to navigate longer relief outings in recent games.
Key Betting Trends & Team Statistics That Matter
- Cardinals have won 3 of the 4 meetings with the Dodgers this season
- Dodgers are batting just .237 as a team since July 1st (23rd in MLB)
- Cardinals are 25-33 on the road this season but have won 4 of their last 6 away games
- Dodgers are 35-22 at home this season but just 5-5 in their last 10 games overall
- The under is 7-3 in the Dodgers’ last 10 home games
- Mookie Betts is hitless in his last 16 at-bats, severely hampering the Dodgers’ offensive production
- St. Louis is 4-6 in their last 10 games overall despite relatively solid pitching
Willson Contreras: Cardinals’ Offensive Catalyst Against the Dodgers
While much attention has been paid to the Dodgers’ struggling offense, Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras has been a bright spot for St. Louis this season. With 15 home runs and consistent production at the plate, Contreras has been particularly effective against the Dodgers in his career. His aggressive approach against Dodgers pitching has yielded impressive results, and with Sheehan’s tendency to elevate pitches in the zone, Contreras could capitalize on mistake pitches tonight. His ability to work deep counts will also help drive up Sheehan’s pitch count, potentially giving the Cardinals an early crack at the Dodgers’ depleted bullpen.
Dodger Stadium Factor: How the Venue Influences Today’s Game
Dodger Stadium continues to be one of the more pitcher-friendly venues in baseball, with a 0.940 runs factor this season. However, it does favor home run hitters with a 1.122 HR factor, creating an interesting dynamic where low-scoring games can quickly shift with one swing. The evening marine layer typically suppresses offense even further in night games, especially for fly ball pitchers like Mikolas. Tonight’s forecast calls for mild temperatures around 72°F with minimal wind, creating ideal conditions for pitchers. These park factors, combined with the Dodgers’ recent offensive struggles and the Cardinals’ middling road production, point toward a potentially lower-scoring affair than the market anticipates.
Expert Prediction & Best Bets for Cardinals-Dodgers Showdown
Primary Play: Under 9 Runs (-110)
I’m targeting the under as my primary play tonight. Dodger Stadium’s run-suppressing environment, combined with the Dodgers’ recent offensive woes (particularly Mookie Betts’ slump), creates a favorable scenario for the under. Mikolas has shown improved form on the road, and while Sheehan has limited experience, his stuff plays up in the pitcher-friendly confines of Chavez Ravine. The market move from 8.5 to 9 gives us additional value on a number that should see resistance to push higher. I’d play this down to Under 8.5 if necessary.
Strong Value Play: Cardinals +1.5 Run Line (+135)
The Cardinals have shown resilience against the Dodgers this season, winning three of four meetings so far. With the Dodgers’ offensive struggles and bullpen injuries, St. Louis has a legitimate chance to keep this game close or even steal another victory. At +135, the run line offers substantial value, especially considering that five of the Dodgers’ last seven wins have been by a single run. The Cards’ pitching has been more consistent than their record indicates, and Mikolas typically limits damage even when he’s not at his best.
Worth Considering: Miles Mikolas Over 4.5 Strikeouts (-120)
Mikolas isn’t known as a strikeout pitcher, but he’s facing a Dodgers lineup that’s been whiffing at an increased rate lately (8.48 K/game). With Mookie Betts struggling and several Dodgers pressing at the plate, Mikolas’ precise command could lead to more strikeouts than usual. He’s exceeded this total in 3 of his last 5 starts, and the Dodgers’ aggressive approach against right-handed pitching plays into his strengths. This prop offers solid value at the current price.
Player Props Worth Targeting in Today’s Matchup
| Player | Prop | Odds | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miles Mikolas | Over 4.5 Strikeouts | -120 | ★★★★☆ |
| Willson Contreras | Over 1.5 Total Bases | +125 | ★★★★☆ |
| Emmet Sheehan | Under 5.5 Strikeouts | -135 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Freddie Freeman | To Record an RBI | +155 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ivan Herrera | Over 0.5 Hits | -165 | ★★★☆☆ |
Final Thoughts: Dodgers’ Offensive Woes Create Value Opportunity
The Dodgers remain the more talented team on paper, but their recent offensive struggles and bullpen injuries have created betting value on both the Cardinals and the under. Los Angeles has been forced to rely too heavily on Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman, with Mookie Betts’ prolonged slump (0 for his last 16) severely limiting their lineup’s potential. Meanwhile, St. Louis has been playing better baseball than their .500 record suggests, particularly against quality opponents. With Mikolas pitching more effectively on the road and the Dodgers’ lineup searching for answers, tonight’s game sets up nicely for a lower-scoring affair that stays within the run line.
Score Prediction: Dodgers 4, Cardinals 3
