Cardinals vs. Braves Betting (July 7): Look for Braves to Complete 4-Game Sweep

The 2022 MLB season is nearing its halfway point now that this year’s All-Star festivities are rapidly approaching. Nevertheless, there’s plenty of action to keep fans occupied on Thursday, July 7, including a St. Louis Cardinals (44-40) vs. Atlanta Braves (49-34) showdown.

Both National League teams are doing what they can to punch a ticket to the 2022 postseason. Unfortunately, things haven’t been looking too promising for the Cardinals, who are 3-7 in their last 10 games and now trail the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers by three games.

On the other hand, the Braves continue to be one of the hottest teams in baseball. They’re 26-7 since the beginning of June and have no intention of slowing down, winning seven of their last 11 games.

This game is the finale of a four-game series, with Matthew Liberatore getting the start for St. Louis as he hopes to help his club avoid the sweep. Meanwhile, the Braves are sending Spencer Strider to the mound.

Here’s a look at the odds and best bets to make ahead of today’s Brewers vs. Reds matchup.

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Atlanta Braves Betting Odds and Matchup Information

Matchup Information

• Matchup: St. Louis Cardinals (44-40, 20-24 road, 2nd in the NL Central) vs. Atlanta Braves 49-34, 27-17, 2nd in the NL East)
• Venue & Location: Truist Park (Atlanta, Georgia)
• Date: Thursday, July 7, 2022
• Time: 7:20 p.m. Eastern Time
• How to Watch Today’s Cardinals vs. Braves Game: MLB.TV, MLB Extra Innings, Bally Sports South

Cardinals vs. Braves Pitching Matchup

• St. Louis Cardinals: Mark Leiter Jr. (2022: 5 starts, 2-1, 5.65 ERA)
• Atlanta Braves: Spencer Strider (2022: 18 games [7 starts], 4-2, 2.87 ERA)

Cardinals vs. Braves Odds

Odds are via BetOnline. Odds from our other top reviewed and recommended online sportsbooks may also be included in this article.

Moneyline

• St. Louis Cardinals +188
• Atlanta Braves -225

Over/Under

• OVER 9 (-115)
• UNDER 9 (-105)

Run Line

• St. Louis Cardinals +1.5 (-118)
• Atlanta Braves -1.5 (-102)

Cardinals Attempt to Avoid Four-Game Sweep vs. Braves

The Cardinals were feeling good about themselves before their current four-game series against the Braves began. As mentioned above, St. Louis has lost the first three games of the series, needing a huge effort to avoid the sweep on Thursday.

The biggest difference in the series has been the Braves’ ability to produce runs while the Cardinals have struggled to do so. Atlanta has outscored St. Louis by a total of 16-4 since Monday, which translates to an average of 5.33 to 1.33. Needless to say, it’s tough to have faith in the Redbirds when they’re losing by an average of four runs.

Aside from stars Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt, the rest of the Cardinals’ batters haven't exactly shown up in Atlanta. For example, Tommy Edman has just one single with three strikeouts in 13 at-bats this series. That’s simply unacceptable.

The Braves’ pitching staff has limited the Cardinals to only one run over the last two games. It’s up to to continue that trend and considering how he’s played this season, there’s reason to feel optimistic about his latest start.

The 23-year-old sophomore hurler is 4-2 with a 2.87 ERA in 18 games (seven starts) so far this season. He’s been labeled with the victory in three of his last five starts, giving up two or fewer runs in four of those showing.

A victory on Thursday would cut the New York Mets’ NL East lead over the Braves to just two games. Barring any setbacks, Atlanta is certainly on its way there if it can remain strong against St. Louis.

Betting Trends for Cardinals vs. Braves

• St. Louis is 1-6 straight up in its last seven games.
• Atlanta is 7-0 straight up in its last seven games against St. Louis.
• The total has hit the under in four of St. Louis’ last five road games against Atlanta.
• The total has hit the under in each of Atlanta’s last six home games.

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Atlanta Braves Prediction and Best Bets

Cardinals vs. Braves Prediction: Braves to win

Cardinals vs. Braves Best Bets: Braves -1.5 (-102 at BetOnline) & Under 9 (-105 at BetOnline)

The Cardinals have been the worst team this series and it’s easy to go with another Braves victory on Thursday. Atlanta is just too hot right now while St. Louis has shown very little fight in the previous three matchups.

As for the best bet, I’m taking the Braves to cover the spread after winning the first three games of the series by at least three runs each time. I’m also taking the total to finish under nine runs due to the two clubs consistently hitting the under in their recent meetings.

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