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Picks, Prediction for Cardinals vs Pirates on Friday, June 2
NL Central Race Wide Open
The St. Louis Cardinals (25-32) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (28-27) open a three-game series on Friday. The National League Central remains wide open, with four of five teams holding +900 odds or less to win the division, per MLB odds. The Pirates sit in second place, while the Cardinals are in fourth.
St. Louis has remained inconsistent, going 2-3 over its last five games. Pittsburgh has also cooled off, going 3-5 in its last eight. The Cardinals rank ninth in runs per game, while the Pirates are 10th in surrendered runs per game. Which side will come out on top in this strength-against-strength matchup?
Cardinals in Hitting Slump
St. Louis put on a hitting display for a stretch of games but has returned to Earth over the last week. It has not eclipsed three runs over the last seven games, averaging 2.1 during the stretch. The under could be an enticing selection for your MLB betting, as it has hit in six consecutive Cardinals games.
Pirates Steady Ship
After losing three consecutive games, including a 14-4 loss against the San Francisco Giants, Pittsburgh has won back-to-back games. The bullpen performed well in both, allowing only 2.5 runs per game. The batting order also comes off a 14-hit eruption in Wednesday’s 9-4 win over the Giants. Right fielder Connor Joe is a good option for MLB picks and parlays after he recorded five hits over the last three games.
Starting Pitchers
Jack Flaherty (3-4, 4.81 ERA) vs. Roansy Contreras (3-4, 4.33)
Jack Flaherty finished the 2022 season with a career-low 1.611 WHIP and a 1.50 strikeout-to-walk ratio (SO/W). His underwhelming play has carried over to 2023, with a 1.534 WHIP and 1.71 SO/W. However, he has managed to reach seven innings of pitching in two of the last three starts. He allowed only one earned run in the two appearances. After allowing a home run in six consecutive starts, Flaherty has not surrendered a homer in his last three outings.
With a 1.385 WHIP and 1.57 SO/W, Roansy Contreras is expected to get more reliever work. His last appearance was on May 28 against the Seattle Mariners, in which he allowed only one hit in the sixth and seventh innings. Friday will be Contreras’ first start in over a week. He has allowed five big flys in his last four starts. Taking a hitter on the Cardinals to go yard early seems like a wise pick for MLB live betting.
Cardinals vs Pirates Head-to-Head
The series is split at 5-5 over the last 10 meetings. In Flaherty’s last start against the Pirates, the Cardinals won 2-1. Pittsburgh is 2-0 in Contreras’ last two starts against St. Louis.
Cardinals vs Pirates Game Information
- Game: Cardinals (25-32) vs Pirates (28-27)
- Location: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
- Day/Time: Friday, June 2, 7:05 p.m. ET
- Cardinals vs Pirates Live Stream: MLB.tv
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Cardinals vs Pirates Betting Lines
Over/Under Pick
Pittsburgh’s Contreras has struggled in the starting role. By limiting his pitches with some reliever work, the Pirates are hoping they have a solution. The Cardinals are a difficult matchup, ranking seventh in home runs and eighth in slugging percentage. Look for St. Louis’ bats to finally wake up. MLB lines have the game’s projected total at 9, take the over.
Pick: Over 9 (-105)
Moneyline Pick
Despite their hitting slump, MLB spreads favor the Cardinals for Friday’s clash. As mentioned, St. Louis is pulling a favorable matchup against Contreras. Plus, Flaherty has recently shown flashes of his old self, and Pittsburgh ranks 20th in runs per game. Look for the favored Cards to come out on top.
Pick: St. Louis Cardinals (-127)
