St. Louis Cardinals at Atlanta Braves Game 2 odds, picks and predictions

The St. Louis Cardinals (50-46) take on the Atlanta Braves (53-42) Saturday in the 2nd game of a 3-game set at Truist Park at 7:20 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Cardinals vs. Braves odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Cardinals lead 2-1

These teams were rained out Friday night, and this will be the nightcap of a doubleheader. The 1st game was not finalized at press time.

The Cards went 2-4 in their final 6 games before the All-Star break, as they were clearly running on fumes. They went 18-12 in 1-run games before the break, and their pen was taxed. OF Alec Burleson has emerged, as he has raked with a .340 BA, 5 homers and 15 RBIs in 53 July at-bats thus far.

The Braves went 3-3 in the final 6 games before the break. DH Marcell Ozuna continues to power the Bravos with a .359 clip, 5 homers and 10 RBIs the last 10 games. The Cards took 2 of 3 against Atlanta in St. Louis, but the Braves are great at home at 29-17.

Cardinals at Braves projected starters

RHP Sonny Gray vs. RHP Bryce Elder

Gray (9-6, 3.34 ERA) makes his 18th start. He has a 1.05 WHIP, 2.2 BB/9 and 10.9 K/9 through 99 2/3 innings.

• Last start: Loss, 7 IP, 3 ER, 9 H, 0 BB, 6 K in 5-1 home defeat July 12 against Chicago Cubs
• Last 5 starts vs. Braves: 0-2, 2.81 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 33 K in 32 IP

Elder (1-3, 5.71 ERA) makes his 8th start. He has a 1.62 WHIP, 3.4 BB/9 and 6.2 K/9 through 34 2/3 innings.

• Last start: No-decision, 5 IP, 3 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 1 K in 5-4 win in 11 innings at Arizona Diamondbacks July 8
• 2 career starts vs. Cardinals: 1-1, 1.50 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, 10 K in 12 IP
• June 26 at St. Louis: Loss, 6 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 0 BB, 4 K in 4-1 setback

Who’s going yard? Here’s a breakdown of today’s best home run props with our top picks. Include the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE to score a $1,500 first-bet offer.

Cardinals at Braves odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:10 a.m. ET.

• Moneyline (ML): Cardinals -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Braves -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
• Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cardinals -1.5 (+145) | Braves +1.5 (-180)
• Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Cardinals at Braves picks and predictions

Prediction

Cardinals 4, Braves 3

There is still rain in the forecast for this one, so keep that in mind when placing wagers.

The Braves are tough at home, and I think the Cards get 1 game in this series. That will be right here. They had a close call Friday night as some of their players had travel issues and may not have gotten to Atlanta on time. One of those players was All-Star closer Ryan Helsley. He’ll be rested and ready for a save chance.

Take the CARDINALS -110.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Player props were pretty limited at press time with the double-dip Saturday, and I don’t like either side of the RL.

PASS.

As mentioned, it could be a wet evening with a light 3.4-mph breeze blowing in. In what could be a long day with rain delays, I like the UNDER 8.5 (-115).

Elder was solid against the Cards last month, and the Braves are just 4-5-1 O/U in their last 10.

If you’re looking to play some games of your own, check out the online casino real money action available or play on social casinos instead for free.

For more sports betting picks and tips

SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Ryan Dodson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Fantasy baseball help from BaseballHQ.com:

Subscribe now to dominate the competition.