Free Picks: Washington Nationals vs. St. Louis Cardinals

It’s been a crummy start for Washington, but all it takes is one stretch of victories to turn a season around. This early in the season, the Nationals attempt to right the ship against the projected NL Central champions. As for the St. Louis Cardinals, their high-profile offense looks to make quick work of an inexperienced starter.

It seems like yesterday the Washington Nationals won the 2019 World Series. In 2021, the Nationals are learning quickly that the rise to the top and staying atop the mountain is much different.

Two seasons removed from winning it all, the Nationals find themselves with a 1-5 record as they prepare for their three-game set with the St. Louis Cardinals.

As for the redbirds, St. Louis dropped their Sunday contest to the Milwaukee Brewers to fall to 5-4 on the season.

For this MLB prediction, I think there are two betting options. The obvious one that jumps out at me is the Cardinals’ Moneyline.

The other betting line (and one I am more interested in) is the Cardinals’ Run Line.

Why am I so confident in St. Louis for this MLB bet? Well, it’s due to who the Nationals are trotting out to the mound.

Erick Fedde is getting the start for the visiting Nationals. Not a usual member of the Washington starting pitching rotation, the Cardinals’ bats should have a feeding day on Monday.

Fedde was torched in his last start, allowing five runs over 1 2/3 innings against the Braves. Preparing for his first start against St. Louis, it’s clear the Nationals need to address their shorthanded pitching depth.

St. Louis is also dealing with injuries that have impacted their starting rotation, John Gant is the projected starter for the Cardinals. The former relief pitcher might not go the distance against Washington but should produce a handful of innings.

I think taking the run line provides great value. The Cardinals are not incredibly hot right now, but facing an inexperienced starter like Fedde is a green flag.

I don’t normally like to take run lines on BetPicks, but I think the Cardinals at home facing an inexperienced starter will result in straight cash.

• The Cardinals are 2-1 in last 3 games when Gant starts.
• Louis averages 5.13 runs per game.
• The Nationals allow 5 runs per game on the road.
• The Cardinal average 4 runs per game at home.