Free MLB Picks Today: Atlanta Braves vs St. Louis Cardinals 8/28/22

The Atlanta Braves (79-49) are on the road to face the St.Louis Cardinals (73-54) at Busch Stadium on Sunday with the three-game series tied at 1-1. The Cardinals evened up the series 1-1 after winning 6-5 on Saturday, their second head-to-head victory in six games this season. Ryan Helsley got the win with one scoreless inning of relief. Nolan Arenado went 4 for 4 with a home run and a double in the win. He drove in two runs. Andrew Knizner added a home run and two RBIs. Austin Riley was 3 for 4 with a double, one run, and one RBI for the Braves. Travis d’Arnaud added a home run and three RBIs.

ON THE MOUND

Jake Odorizzi (5-5, 3.95 ERA) is slated to get the start for Atlanta. The right-hander allowed one run over six innings in his last start, a 2-1 road win over the Pirates on Monday. He was credited with the win, giving up four hits while striking out seven.For St. Louis, RHP Adam Wainwright (9-9, 3.11 ERA) will toe the rubber. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Braves. Wainwright made one start against the Braves in 2021, throwing seven innings in a 9-1 road win on June 20. He gave up three hits and walked three, while striking out 11 in the win. In his last start on Tuesday, Wainwright took the loss on the road against the Cubs. He threw six innings and gave up two runs on five hits, striking out three and walking four in the 2-0 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Atlanta has averaged 7.6 runs a game, up from their season average of 5.0, while performing better across the board (.297/.363/.451). Against right-handed pitchers like Wainwright this season, the Braves have a .750 OPS, fifth highest in the league. Matt Olson is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a .858 OPS in 349 at-bats. St.Louis is averaging 6.4 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.9 for the season, with an improved slash line (.321/.374/.551). The Cards have a .747 OPS against right-handers in 2022. With a .972 OPS over 355 at-bats, Paul Goldschmidt has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Atlanta is 37-25 in away games in 2022, scoring 5.0 runs per game while allowing 3.9 runs. St. Louis has gone 41-22 at Busch Stadium this season, averaging 4.9 runs per game while surrendering 3.5. In the last 10 games between the teams at Busch Stadium, Atlanta is 7-3 with an average scoreline of 5.6-3.6.