MLB Predictions: Will Cardinals beat D-Backs, win fourth straight? 7/27/17
Will the Cardinals pick up their fourth consecutive victory with a win over the D-Backs Thursday night?
The Matchup: D-Backs vs. Cardinals, 7:15PM ET, Busch Stadium
Arizona enters play with a 58-43 record on the year and a 5-5 mark over its last 10 games. That said, the Diamondbacks have struggled on the road this season. Entering play on Thursday, the D-Backs are just 22-5 away from their home digs this season.
St. Louis, meanwhile, is 50-51 on the season after winning three straight and six of its last 10 games. The Cardinals are also 29-24 at home and are just 3.5 games back of the Cubs in the National League Central despite struggling for most of the year.
According to oddsmakers, the Cardinals are -120 money line favorites to win tonight’s game. That makes the Diamondbacks +110 money line underdogs to pull off the upset on the road. The total, meanwhile, sits at 9 runs.
The Pitching Matchup: Zack Godley (ARZ) vs. Luke Weaver (STL)
Godley is 3-4 on the year and owns a 3.32 ERA. He’s coming off a no-decision against the Nationals on July 21. Godley allowed four runs on five hits over 5 2/3 innings of work. The D-Backs wound up winning the game 6-5 at home.
On the other side is Weaver, who will make his first start of the season. The 23-year-old has pitched three innings in relief this season, allowing three hits but no runs. He also struck out two and walked one in those three innings of work. The youngster is filling in for Adam Wainwright, who was placed on the 10-day disabled list for a stiff back.
Our Prediction
Godley doesn’t receive the same attention as teammate Zack Greinke but he quality is having a breakout season. The Cardinals are hot, winners of three straight thanks to youngsters like Paul DeJong raking at the plate. That said, St. Louis is also a right-handed heavy lineup and Godley is excellent against right-handers. He’s also pitching in a pitcher-friendly ballpark against a team that is starting a youngster in Weaver that might have plenty of nerves. I like the value in the underdog Diamondbacks.
Thursday MLB Prediction: Arizona Diamondbacks +110
