Today's MLB Best Bets: Picks, Predictions and Odds (Wednesday 07/22 Baseball Slate)

As the Angels host the Cardinals on July 22, the St. Louis lineup offers compelling reasons for siding with them on the run line. The Cardinals have been on a tear lately, showcasing a potent offense that’s been racking up runs, especially against left-handed pitching. Their recent series saw a surge in power, with multiple players finding their stride at the plate. Meanwhile, the Angels’ pitching staff has struggled to maintain consistency, particularly in high-pressure situations. With St. Louis facing one of their more favorable matchups here, they’re primed to capitalize. The Cardinals also have a solid track record on the road, which bodes well for their chances to extend their momentum. Given the combination of their offensive prowess and the Angels' recent pitching woes, taking St. Louis on the alternate run line feels like a savvy play—especially with their ability to exploit weaknesses when it matters most.

Los Angeles Angels vs St. Louis Cardinals : St. Louis Cardinals +2 (+525)

As the Angels host the Cardinals on July 22, it’s hard to overlook St. Louis’s recent surge, having won six of their last eight games. Their offense is waking up, with players like Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado flexing their muscles at the plate. When you consider the Angels’ inconsistent pitching, especially against lefties, they might struggle against a Cardinals lineup that’s hitting .290 over the last week. Now, let’s talk about the pitching matchup. The Cardinals’ starter has been a force, boasting a strikeout rate that’s among the league's best, which could stifle the Angels' bats. Meanwhile, the Angels' rotation has been prone to giving up runs in bunches, making a two-run margin feel quite achievable for St. Louis. With the Cardinals in the midst of a momentum swing and the Angels feeling the heat, taking St. Louis on the run line could pay off handsomely.

Los Angeles Angels vs St. Louis Cardinals : St. Louis Cardinals +2 (+525)

As the St. Louis Cardinals roll into Los Angeles, they carry a wave of momentum that’s hard to ignore. Despite their recent struggles, this matchup offers a chance for redemption, especially with their potent offense that has recently found its rhythm. The Cardinals have been a resilient bunch, consistently racking up runs and putting pressure on opposing pitchers. On the mound, they’re sending out a starter who's been quietly effective, limiting hard contact while striking out an impressive number of batters. Meanwhile, the Angels’ lineup has shown vulnerabilities against right-handed pitching, which could play into St. Louis's favor. Historically, the Cardinals have a knack for rising to the occasion in crucial games, and taking them on the alternate run line here could yield a juicy payoff. With the Angels struggling to find consistency, don’t be surprised if the Cardinals capitalize and cover that spread.

Los Angeles Angels vs St. Louis Cardinals : St. Louis Cardinals +1.5 (+600)

As the Cardinals roll into Los Angeles, they’re riding a wave of momentum that’s hard to ignore. With an impressive run differential and their lineup finally clicking, they're poised to exploit an Angels' pitching staff that’s been shaky lately. St. Louis has been feasting on left-handed pitching and will be facing an Angels starter who’s struggling to find the strike zone. The Cardinals’ recent form has seen them average over six runs in their last handful of games, and their top hitters are starting to heat up at just the right time. On the other hand, the Angels have been inconsistent, and their bullpen is showing signs of fatigue, which could be pivotal in a late-inning showdown. Given these trends, backing St. Louis to cover the alternate run line seems not just viable but rather enticing, especially considering their knack for pulling away late in games.

Los Angeles Angels vs St. Louis Cardinals : St. Louis Cardinals +1.5 (+600)

As the St. Louis Cardinals roll into Anaheim, they're riding a wave of momentum that’s hard to ignore. Over the past few weeks, their offense has surged, averaging over five runs per game, with hitters like Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt finding their rhythm. On the mound, Miles Mikolas has been a rock, boasting an impressive WHIP that showcases his ability to limit baserunners, essential for keeping the Angels' potent lineup at bay. Meanwhile, the Angels have struggled against right-handed pitching, making them ripe for a challenge. With their lineup seemingly out of sync and their pitching staff faltering, they’re finding it tough to keep pace. Backing the Cardinals at -1.5 on the run line seems like a savvy move. Their ability to capitalize on the Angels’ weaknesses aligns perfectly with their recent form, setting the stage for a convincing win. Don’t be surprised if St. Louis takes this one by two or more runs.