Free MLB Picks Today: Miami Marlins vs St. Louis Cardinals 7/5/23

Luis Arraez will be looking to extend his 18-game on-base streak as the Miami Marlins (50-37) host the St. Louis Cardinals (35-50) at loanDepot Park on Wednesday.

The Marlins lead the series 2-0 after winning 15-2 on Tuesday. Starter Jesus Luzardo threw six scoreless innings – striking out eight – to get the win.

Garrett Cooper’s on-base streak reached 12 as he went 3 for 5 with a home run and three RBIs in the win. Jorge Soler went 3 for 4 with two doubles, three runs, and two RBIs. Paul DeJong was 1 for 2 with one run for the Cardinals.

ON THE MOUND

Right-hander Bryan Hoeing (1-2, 3.72 ERA) will toe the rubber for Miami. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Cardinals. In his last start on Friday, Hoeing took the loss on the road against the Braves. He threw 3.2 innings and gave up seven runs on six hits, striking out one and walking two in the 16-4 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, St. Louis has averaged 4.8 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 4.6. Against right-handed pitchers like Hoeing this season, the Cards have a .754 OPS.

Paul Goldschmidt is the team’s most productive hitter against right-handers with a .913 OPS in 241 at-bats. Miami is averaging 5.4 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.1 for the season, with a higher slugging percentage (.408 vs .394).

HOME AND AWAY

St. Louis is on a three-game losing streak on the road, bringing their record to 18-25 in 2023. The Cards have scored 4.0 runs per game away from home while allowing 4.6 runs. Miami has won four in a row in front of their home fans.

The Fish are 27-16 at home this season, averaging 4.2 runs per game while surrendering 3.9. St. Louis is 6-4 in the last 10 meetings at loanDepot Park despite an average scoreline favoring Miami (3.9-3.5).

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Cardinals are fifth in the NL Central, 10 games behind the division-leading Brewers. The Marlins are second in the NL East, nine games behind the Braves.