Pick details
| MATCHUP | St. Louis Cardinals | Philadelphia Phillies |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 66-63 | 70-58 |
| Where | Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | |
| When | Friday, August 21, 2026 | |
| Time | 06:40 PM EDT | |
| TV | MLB.TV | |
St. Louis Cardinals Betting Preview
The St. Louis Cardinals enter Friday’s contest with a 66–63 overall record (4th in the National League Central) and a 34–29 mark on the road. The Cardinals offense has been rather pedestrian this season. St. Louis has compiled 572 runs scored (20th in MLB), 185 doubles, a .241 team batting average and 133 home runs which ranks a rather low 22nd in Major League Baseball.The Cardinals arrive at tomorrow night’s game in good form. St. Louis has won five of the team’s last seven games played this season, including a 3-0 shutout victory over the Chicago Cubs earlier this week.
St. Louis will turn to right hander Hunter Dobbins in this game. In seven starts made this season, Dobbins has compiled a 3–3 win loss record, a 3.42 ERA, a 1.30 WHIP and 49 strikeouts in 50 innings pitched. Hunter Dobbins arrives at this contest in good form, allowing two earned runs or fewer in four of his last five starts made in 2026. Dobbins will look to build on his recent quality performances on the mound in tomorrow’s matchup with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Turning our attention to the St. Louis offense, the Cardinals lineup features Alec Burleson and Jordan Walker. Alec Burleson has compiled a .288 batting average, 21 home runs, 93 RBIs (2nd in MLB) and an .844 OPS. Jordan Walker has amassed a .289 batting average, 26 home runs and 94 RBIs which ranks sixth in Major League Baseball.
Philadelphia Phillies Betting Preview
The Philadelphia Phillies enter Friday night’s matchup with a 70–58 overall record (2nd in the National League East) and a 35–30 mark at home. Philadelphia arrives at this contest on the heels of a six-game winning streak, including a 7–5 win over the Minnesota Twins last week.Philadelphia will start left hander Jesus Luzardo in tomorrow’s game. In 25 starts made in 2026, Luzardo has compiled an 11–5 win loss record, a 3.23 ERA (18th in MLB), a 1.15 WHIP and a whopping 185 strikeouts which ranks sixth in Major League Baseball. Luzardo arrives at this contest in good form, allowing two earned runs or fewer in eight of his last nine starts made this season.
The Philadelphia Phillies lineup features Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper. Kyle Schwarber enters this contest with a team leading 37 home runs (1st in MLB), 74 RBIs and an .889 OPS. Bryce Harper has compiled 25 home runs and 721 RBIs.
Why the St. Louis Cardinals will win.
• Ability to win on the road. The St. Louis Cardinals have amassed a 34-29 road record.• Starting pitching. Hunter Dobbins has tallied a 3-3 record and a 3.42 ERA acrossseven starts made this season.
• Current form. The St. Louis Cardinals have won six of the team’s last eight games.
Why the Philadelphia Phillies will win.
• Home field edge. Philadelphia has played competitive baseball (35–30) at home this season.•Starting pitching. Jesus Luzardo has compiled an 11-5 win-loss record, a 1.15 WHIP and a 3.23 ERA which ranks 18th in Major League Baseball.
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Cincinnati Reds Prediction
In my opinion, the way to go in this matchup is the total rather than a side. Why? Houston starting pitcher Hunter Dobbins arrives at this contest in good form, allowing two earned runs or less in four of his last five starts made this season. Similarly, Philadelphia hurler Jesus Luzardo has allowed two earned runs or fewer in eight of his last nine starts made in 2026. I envision a contest where offensive production is limited by quality pitching. With that said, I am backing under 9.5 runs in this game.Hans Geevers's Pick: Under 9.5
