Pick details
| MATCHUP | St. Louis Cardinals | San Diego Padres |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 21-15 | 22-14 |
| Spread | +1.5 -149 | -1.5 123 |
| Moneyline | +144 | -175 |
| Total | Over 8 (-110) | Under 8 (-110) |
| Where | Petco Park, San Diego, California | |
| When | Thursday, May 7, 2026 | |
| Time | 10:00 PM EDT | |
| TV | ESPN | |
St. Louis Cardinals Betting Preview
The St. Louis Cardinals enter Thursday’s contest with a 21–15 overall record (2nd in the National League Central) and a robust 11–5 mark on the road. The Cardinals offense has played relatively well this season. Through 36 games played in 2026, the St. Louis Cardinals have compiled 174 runs (10th in MLB), 57 doubles (16th in MLB), a .240 batting average, and 44 home runs which ranks ninth in Major League Baseball.The Cardinals arrive at tomorrow’s game in below average form. More specifically, St. Louis has lost two of the team’s last three games played this season, including a 4–1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier this week.
St. Louis will turn to left‑hander Matthew Liberatore in this contest. In six starts made this season, Liberatore has compiled a 1–1 win‑loss record, a 4.50 ERA, a 1.50 WHIP and 23 strikeouts while allowing 41 hits and 13 walks in 36 innings pitched. Liberatore will look to rebound from a slow start to the 2026 campaign in tomorrow’s matchup with the San Diego Padres.
The St. Louis Cardinals have compiled a productive lineup this season featuring outfielder Jordan Walker and first baseman Alec Burleson. Jordan Walker has compiled a .303 batting average (20th in MLB), 10 home runs (10th in MLB), 6 doubles, 27 RBIs and an .956 OPS which ranks 10th in Major League Baseball. Alec Burleson has amassed a .268 batting average, 5 home runs, 29 RBIs, and a .788 OPS.
San Diego Padres Betting Preview
The San Diego Padres enter tomorrow’s matchup with a 22–14 overall record (2nd in the National League West) and an 11–8 mark at home. San Diego has played well recently, winning three of the team’s last four games played this season, including a 4–3 victory over the Chicago White Sox three days ago.San Diego will start right hander Michael King, who has been one of the most hurlers in the Padres starting pitching rotation. In seven starts made this season, King has compiled a 3–2 record, a 2.95 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP and 39 strikeouts, while allowing 27 hits and 18 walks in 39.2 innings pitched.
Shifting our focus to the San Diego offense, the Padres continue to rely on Xander Bogaerts and Ramon Laureano. Shortstop Xander Bogaerts has compiled a .276 batting average, 7 home runs, 2 doubles, 22 RBIs, 4 stolen bases and an .813 OPS. Outfielder Ramon Laureano has amassed a .234 batting average, 5 home runs, 4 doubles, 19 RBIs, 4 stolen bases and a .726 OPS.
Why the St. Louis Cardinals will win.
• Offensive upside. Jordan Walker and Alec Burleson continue to anchor the Cardinals lineup.• Power potential. The St. Louis Cardinals have compiled 44 home runs this season which ranks 9th in Major League Baseball.
Why the San Diego Padres will win.
• Starting pitching edge. Michael King has compiled a 3–2 record, a 2.95 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP and 39 strikeouts in 39.2 innings pitched.• Home field advantage. The San Diego Padres have amassed an 11–8 record at home this season.
• Current form. The San Diego Padres have won three of the team’s last four games played.
