Free Picks: Washington Nationals vs. St. Louis Cardinals

Patrick Trudeau
By: Patrick Trudeau
04/12/2021
MLB Free Picks – Best Bets of the Week
Nationals vs Cardinals Week 3
Washington Nationals vs. St. Louis Cardinals, MLB, Busch Stadium

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.

Can Washington wipe away a poor start?

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.

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FREE PICK: St. Louis Run Line -1.5
+145

Stats

  • 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.

have always wanted to be a writer and sports are my favorite thing in the world, so I combined the two to make a career. I have been a long-time gambler and sports betting writer that isn't afraid to look at the underdog or specials. I am covering the NHL, MLB and NCAA Football for BetPicks.ca and am a huge fan of both sports - as well as many others. Follow me on Twitter (@Patrick_Trudeau) so we can talk betting, sports, or why ketchup DOES belong on Poutine.

MLB - AL East

TeamWLGB%
NY Yankee61250.0.709
Boston474014.5.540
Tampa Bay464015.0.535
Toronto454216.5.517
Baltimore434418.5.494

 

MLB - AL Central

TeamWLGB%
Minnesota48400.0.545
Cleveland42424.0.500
Chi White Sox41445.5.482
Detroit365111.5.414
Kansas City345213.0.395

 

MLB - AL West

TeamWLGB%
Houston56290.0.659
Seattle454212.0.517
Texas404415.5.476
LA Angels384919.0.437
Oakland295928.5.330

 

MLB - NL East

TeamWLGB%
NY Mets54330.0.621
Atlanta52362.5.591
Philadelphia46418.0.529
Miami414412.0.482
Washington305824.5.341

 

MLB - NL Central

TeamWLGB%
Milwaukee48390.0.552
St. Louis47422.0.528
Pittsburgh375011.0.425
Chi Cubs345213.5.395
Cincinnati325415.5.372

 

MLB - NL West

TeamWLGB%
LA Dodgers56290.0.659
San Diego50387.5.568
San Francisco434112.5.512
Arizona384818.5.442
Colorado384919.0.437

 

2021 Season Key Dates
Regular SeasonApril 1 – October 3
MLB DraftJuly 11-13
All-Star GameJuly 13
Trade DeadlineJuly 30
Playoffs BeginOctober 5
World SeriesOctober 26