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The St. Louis Cardinals were supposed to be a much improved team this season, but they have gotten off to a slow start. The Los Angeles Dodgers are the reigning National League Champions, and they look poised for another deep playoff run this season. Both the Cardinals and Dodgers are terrific offensive teams, and there will be plenty of runs scored in this game.
Los Angeles comes into this game having won five straight games, and are 8-2 on the young season. The Dodgers currently have a two game lead in the National League West, and they should stay on top all season long. The St. Louis Cardinals have been up and down so far this season, and bring a 4-5 record into this game. The Cardinals trail the Milwaukee Brewers by 3.5 games in the National League Central. Los Angeles is -106 in this game against the Cardinals.
Cardinals Bullpen A Mess
The St. Louis Cardinals would have a much better record this season if it weren’t for their struggling bullpen. Veteran Andrew Miller was brought in to solidify that unit this season, but he has already given up three home runs in 3 ⅔ innings pitched. The Cardinals have a 4.11 earned run average as a team, but their bullpen has made those numbers look much worse.
First baseman Paul Goldschmidt has been terrific in his first season with the Cardinals, and makes the Cardinals one of the most feared offenses in the National League. Goldschmidt has blasted five home runs, and driven in nine runs to lead the team. Marcell Ozuna and Dexter Fowler are both struggling at the plate this season, collecting just 11 hits combined so far this season.
Dodgers Winning With the Long Ball
The Los Angeles Dodgers are hitting .307 as a team so far this season, and they have also been smashing home runs at an alarming rate. Los Angeles has hit 24 home runs through their first 10 games, and they have given up just 16. Cody Bellinger leads the team with 7 long balls this season, and has also driven in a team high 18 runs. The Dodgers gave up some offensive talent in the offseason, but their lineup is still loaded with sluggers.
Los Angeles will have a talented lefthander on the mound for this game. Hyun-Jin Ryu has won both of his starts so far this season, and looks like he is poised for a breakout season. Ryu has struck out 13 batters through 13 innings pitched this season, and has an earned run average of 2.08. Closer Kenley Jansen will also be ready when called upon, and has converted all four of his save chances this season.
Dodgers Take Game One
The Dodgers and Cardinals have built up a nice rivalry through the years, and this should be a terrific series in St. Louis. Los Angeles got off to a slow start a season ago, but that hasn’t been the case in 2019. The Dodgers are hitting home runs like crazy, and they will take advantage of the Cardinals pitching staff in this game. Bet the Los Angeles Dodgers -106 over the St. Louis Cardinals.
