Mark Lammey
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The Cardinals are continuing their west coast road trip in Los Angeles on Friday. It’s safe to say they didn’t have the best time in San Diego, so they’re hoping for a better time just down the road. They still look to be in a comfortable playoff position, and the Dodgers certainly are. They clinched the NL West at the start of the week and have zero pressure on them. However, that relaxed attitude also had them losing back-to-back games to the Diamondbacks earlier in the week. These teams may meet up in the postseason, so we could be in for a playoff preview. Along with this same game parlay, be sure to check out our MLB picks for all of today’s games.
Cardinals ML (+135)
Paul Goldschmidt 2+ total bases (+140)
Parlay odds: +350
Let’s take a closer look at each leg of our same game parlay.
St. Louis Cardinals ML (+135) over Los Angeles Dodgers
The Cardinals and Dodgers have met for just one other series this season, with LA taking 2 of the 3 games. However, this is by no means a mismatch, which is what the Dodgers are used to. The Cardinals can more than hold their own, as they’ve been one of the hottest teams in baseball since August 1st. Back then, they were around 7 games back of the Brewers in the NL Central, and now they’re 7.5 games ahead of them. They also have a bit of a mismatch in their favor given the starters for this series opener.
The Dodgers are starting Andrew Heaney, who wasn’t even healthy yet when these teams previously met. That’s great news for Cardinals fans, as St. Louis dominates left-handed pitching. Their .802 OPS against them is the best in baseball, and the only team above .800. There’s no denying their slump in San Diego, but they can bounce back with this matchup.
The Cards are also starting a lefty in Jose Quintana. The former Pirate has a tall task ahead of him, but he’s been a stud for his new team. He’s coming off of an 8.0-inning shutout performance and has yet to allow more than 2 earned runs in any of his 9 starts with St. Louis. That includes games out in hitter-friendly Coors Field and against a deep Braves lineup. This one may be another close game, but the Cards can pull off the upset.
Be sure to check out our St. Louis Cardinals vs Los Angeles Dodgers predictions
Paul Goldschmidt 2+ total bases (+140)
If the Cardinals are going to take down the best team in baseball, arguably the best hitter in baseball is going to need to come through. Paul Goldschmidt is all but a lock to win the NL MVP, and deservedly so. He has the most total bases in the NL with 316, and trails only Aaron Judge for the overall lead. He’s racked up most of those with his 40 doubles and 35 home runs. He’s 1 one of just 3 hitters with at least 35 of each, and the only one with 40 and 35 of each.
Even his 171 hits are the 3rd-most in the NL. If that wasn’t enough, Goldschmidt is the primary reason for the Cardinals success against lefties this season. He’s hitting .411 against them with an incredible .822 slugging percentage. That’s the most of any hitter with more than 5 at-bats against a lefty, and he has 58 of them. In other words, Dodgers starter Heaney has his hands full. Goldschmidt has simply been too dominant and too consistent to doubt with an advantageous matchup.
Also check out our MLB YRFI/NRFI best bets for today — we’re on an 8-2 run!
What is a Same Game Parlay?
Check out our guide on what is a same game parlay and where can I bet it?
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