As the Angels host the Cardinals, all eyes will be on Mike Trout and his quest for hits. However, a closer look at recent trends reveals a compelling case for taking the under on 1.5 hits for the superstar. Trout has faced the Cardinals' pitching staff, which has been surprisingly effective against left-handed hitters, limiting their batting average significantly this season.
Moreover, Trout has encountered his share of struggles lately, with his average dipping and a notable drop in hard-hit balls. The Cardinals' starting pitcher has been on a roll, boasting a solid strikeout rate and a knack for keeping hitters off balance. With Trout's recent performance and St. Louis’ ability to stifle opposing bats, it feels prudent to lean toward the under in this matchup. The stars might not align for Trout tonight, making this bet a savvy play for those looking to capitalize on the numbers.
Jorge Soler (MIA) Under 2.5 Total Bases (-455)
Odds available at draftkings at time of publishing
As the Angels host the Cardinals, all eyes will be on Jorge Soler, but betting on him to go over 2.5 total bases might not be the sharpest play. Sure, Soler has power, but he’s been facing a tough stretch recently. Over his last several games, he’s managed to connect for just a handful of hits, and the Cardinals’ pitching staff, particularly their starters, have been quite effective in containing hitters.
The numbers tell a story here: the Cardinals are allowing fewer than 4 runs per game this season, and their bullpen is equally stingy. Plus, with Soler’s recent struggles against right-handed pitching, the matchup doesn’t favor him. The combination of the Cardinals’ solid pitching and Soler’s dip in form suggests a night where he might fall short of that 2.5 total bases mark. It’s a classic case of the matchup working against the hitter, making the 'Under' an intriguing play.
Vaughn Grissom (NA) Under 1.5 Hits (-455)
Odds available at draftkings at time of publishing
As the Angels prepare to face the Cardinals, all eyes will be on Vaughn Grissom, who’s been struggling lately at the plate. With a current batting average hovering around the .230 mark, Grissom has found it tough to make solid contact, especially against left-handed pitching. The Cardinals’ starter, a crafty southpaw, has been particularly effective in neutralizing hitters like Grissom, boasting a stellar strikeout rate and limiting opponents to a low batting average.
Moreover, recent trends paint a clear picture: Grissom has recorded just one hit in his last three outings. With the Angels' offense not firing on all cylinders and the Cardinals playing tight defense, the likelihood of Grissom surpassing that 1.5 hit mark seems slim. Bet on the under here; the numbers and recent form suggest a quiet night for Grissom at the plate.
Los Angeles Angels vs St. Louis Cardinals : St. Louis Cardinals -1.5 (+164)
Odds available at NA at time of publishing
As the St. Louis Cardinals roll into Los Angeles, they’re riding a wave of momentum that could be key against an Angels squad struggling to find their footing. The Cardinals, with their potent lineup, have been scoring at an impressive clip lately, often capitalizing on opposing pitching mistakes. Look for their offense to take advantage of an Angels rotation that has shown vulnerability, especially in high-pressure situations.
On the mound, the Cardinals’ starter has been a force, consistently delivering strong outings, which bodes well for a team eager to assert dominance. Meanwhile, the Angels have had their share of ups and downs, particularly in late-game scenarios where they’ve faltered. With St. Louis’s recent form and offensive firepower, backing them with the -1.5 run line feels like a savvy choice. It’s all about capitalizing on the Angels' inconsistencies and the Cardinals' current hot streak.
Los Angeles Angels vs St. Louis Cardinals : Under 8.5 Total Runs (+114)
Odds available at NA at time of publishing
As the Angels take on the Cardinals, expect a tight contest with the total runs likely staying under 8.5. Both teams have shown recent trends that lean towards lower-scoring affairs. The Angels’ lineup has struggled against left-handed pitching, and Cardinals ace is set to take the mound, boasting a 3.20 ERA over his last five starts. On the flip side, the Angels’ pitching staff is no slouch either, with a recent uptick in performance, allowing just 3.5 runs per game in July.
Moreover, both clubs are battling for playoff positioning, which typically tightens the screws on offensive production. The stakes will lead to a heightened focus on pitching, and with the recent data suggesting that runs will be at a premium, banking on the Under seems like a savvy move. Expect a game that keeps fans on the edge of their seats, but perhaps not in a rush to the scoreboard.
Los Angeles Angels vs St. Louis Cardinals : Under 9 Total Runs (-106)
Odds available at NA at time of publishing
As the Angels host the Cardinals on July 22, the stage is set for a showdown that leans towards a low-scoring affair. Both teams have recently struggled to find their offensive rhythm. The Angels, despite their star power, have seen their batting average dip below .250 in the past week, while the Cardinals' lineup has been a mixed bag, averaging just over three runs in their last five contests.
On the mound, the Angels are sending out a pitcher who’s been nails at home, boasting an impressive WHIP under 1.20. Meanwhile, the Cardinals counter with a starter who thrives against left-handed hitters, further tilting the scale towards a defensive battle. With both lineups in a bit of a funk and stellar pitching expected, the under 9 looks not just enticing, but likely to be the right move as these teams square off in what feels like a classic pitcher’s duel.