Mark Lammey
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After a slow Thursday in the MLB, Friday brings the beginning of the weekend series. The Cardinals had a tough walk-off loss to the Mets yesterday, and now take on a division foe in the Pirates. Pittsburgh was able to have yesterday off, but the Pirates are simply outmatched by the talent of the Cardinals. Let’s take a deeper dive on who should help the Cardinals the most to avenge yesterday’s loss. Along with this same game parlay, be sure to check out our thoughts on the side and total.
Cardinals -2.5 (+155)
Nolan Arenado over 1.5 total bases (+100)
Paul Goldschmidt over 1.5 total bases (+100)
Parlay odds: +640
Let’s take a closer look at each leg of our better than 6/1 same game parlay:
Cardinals -2.5 (+155)
Looking at the NL Central standings, it may appear as though the Pirates are not quite as bad as expected heading into this season. However, that is simply due to the Reds having the worst record in baseball, and Pittsburgh having been able to play them quite often to start the season. They were even defeated by Cincinnati in back-to-back games recently, and were also shut out by the Cubs in back-to-back games shortly after. Simply put, the Pirates are trending to be exactly where most expected, one of the worst teams in the league.
On the flip side, the Cardinals are trying to gain ground on the Brewers atop the division. They certainly have the lineup to do so, and are beginning to find more consistency than at the start of the season. After a long 4-game series with the Mets, they should be excited to take on Zach Thompson of the Pirates. He’s far from awful, but the Marlins got rid of him for a reason. He let up 8 runs in just 6.1 innings across his first 2 starts of the year. Although he’s performed better recently, he’s had the luxury of facing a weaker Reds lineup in each of his last 2 starts. Now taking on Nolan Arenado and company, he should be in for some regression.
Check out our previews of all today’s MLB games
Nolan Arenado over 1.5 total bases (+100)
If there’s one hitter who has carried his team more than any this season, it’s Nolan Arenado. He’s been red-hot seemingly since opening day, and is a legitimate NL MVP candidate. He’s been among the best OPS hitters throughout the year, currently ranked 10th. That also correlates to a great slugging percentage, and therefore a great ratio of total bases per at-bat. He currently has 80 total bases on the year, the 6th-most in the league. Arenado has cashed this prop an incredible 23 times already this season, and should deliver once again in the series opener.
Paul Goldschmidt over 1.5 total bases (+100)
As much as Arenado carried the Cardinals through inconsistent times, Paul Goldschmidt has proved he still has the power he is known for. In fact, he led the team in total bases last season, with 310. Not only did that top the Cardinals roster, it was tied for the 8th-most in the league. So far this season he’s racked up 79 total bases, just 1 spot behind Arenado. With his ability to go deep on any pitch, he provides great value with this prop. Whether he homers as he did just yesterday or goes for multiple hits, Goldschmidt should come through once again.
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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