The second game of today’s Wild Card MLB Playoffs slate pits the Philadelphia Phillies against the St. Louis Cardinals. The Phillies snuck into the playoffs with the last wild card spot while the Cardinals used a red hot second half surge to win the NL Central convincingly.
This MLB betting preview for the NL Wild Card MLB Playoffs Phillies vs Cardinals Game 1 includes game info, starting pitchers, betting odds, trends and a prediction for today’s postseason matchup.
Philadelphia Phillies vs St. Louis Cardinals Prediction | NL Wild Card MLB Playoffs Game 1
NL Wild Card MLB Playoffs Game 1
Philadelphia Phillies (87-75, 40-41 Away) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (93-69, 53-28 Home)
Date: Friday, Oct. 7, 2021
Time: 2:07 p.m. EST
Venue: Busch Stadium — St. Louis, MO
Coverage: ABC
Phillies vs Cardinals Starting Pitchers
Rays: Zack Wheeler (12-7, 2.82 ERA)
Guardians: Jose Quintana (6-7, 2.93 ERA)
Philadelphia Phillies Preview
The race for the last MLB Playoff spot between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Milwaukee Brewers was ugly, but the Phillies got the job done. Philadelphia has struggled to be consistent over the course of the entire season. The offense is lea=d by the big bats of Kyle Schwarber, Rhys Hoskins and J.T. Realmuto, who have combined for 98 of Philadelphia’s 205 home runs. The Phillies have missed Bryce Harper and Jean Segura for long stretches this season and will be happy to have most of the team fully healthy going into the playoffs.
The Philadelphia pitching staff has not been very good this year and boast an ERA of 3.97. Philadelphia has struggled to find a consistent closer this season and still don’t appear to have the answer figured out. Corey Knebel and Seranthony Dominguez have struggled and Brad Hand is currently on the 15-day IL. To advance past the Cardinals, the Phillies will need the bats to be at their best.
St. Louis Cardinals Preview
It’s been a season to remember for the Cardinals, who will certainly be one of the fan favorites in the National League. This looks to be the last ride for the legendary trio of Albert Pujols, Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina. The offense has been fantastic, behind incredible seasons from Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado. Both are hitting at least .293 and have each hit 30 home runs and driven in over 100 runs. When Goldschmidt and Arenado are hot, this team is almost impossible to beat.
St. Louis identified their pitching issues and addressed them at the trade deadline this year. It has worked out even better than the biggest Cardinals fan could’ve imagined. While their team ERA of 3.79 isn’t fantastic, it is much more reliable than it was just a few months ago. With Ryan Helsley and Giovanny Gallegos able to close the door more times than not this season, the Cardinals have a good shot to move on to the next round.
Phillies vs Cardinals Odds | MLB Playoffs Predictions
MLB betting odds for Phillies vs Cardinals are taken from BetOnline Sportsbook.
Moneyline: PHI: (-110) | STL: (-110)
Run Line: PHI: +1.5 (-220) | STL: -1.5 (+180)
Total: 7 — Over: (EVEN) | Under: (-120)
Public (Spread) Betting via Action Network: PHI: (47%) | STL: (53%)
Phillies vs Cardinals MLB Betting Trends
- Four of the Phillies’ last six games have gone over the total.
- The total has gone over in four of the Cardinals’ last five games.
- Philadelphia is 4-8 straight up in their last 12 games.
- St. Louis is 5-2 straight up in their last seven home games.
- The total has gone under in eight of the Phillies’ last nine road games against St. Louis
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Phillies vs Cardinals Stats
- Philadelphia is averaging 4.61 runs per game (RPG) this season (No. 7 in the MLB).
- Philadelphia is surrendering 4.23 RPG this season (No. 15 in the MLB).
- St. Louis is averaging 4.77 RPG this season (No. 6 in the MLB).
- St. Louis is surrendering 3.93 RPG this season (No. 9 in the MLB).
Phillies vs Cardinals MLB Weather Report
Status: Partly Cloudy
Temperature: 60℉
Humidity: 47%
Precipitation: 0%
Wind: 10 MPH (blowing in from left)
Phillies vs Cardinals Prediction | NL Wild Card MLB Playoffs Game 1
The Phillies vs Cardinals MLB betting prediction uses NumberFire’s probability model. They give Philadelphia a 50.4% chance to win Game 1 of this NL Wild Card MLB Playoffs matchup.
