Hot-hitting Jordan Walker will be looking to extend his 13-game hitting streak as the St. Louis Cardinals (31-43) match up against the Washington Nationals (27-45) at Nationals Park on Wednesday with the visitors eyeing a sweep of the three-game series.
The Cardinals lead the series 2-0 after winning 9-3 on Tuesday. Jordan Montgomery went seven innings, allowing one run on four hits, to get the win.
Dylan Carlson was 2 for 4 with two home runs and three RBIs in the win. Willson Contreras went 3 for 4 with two doubles, one run, and two RBIs. Stone Garrett went 2 for 3 with a double, one run, and one RBI for the Nationals.
ON THE MOUND
Miles Mikolas (4-4, 4.02 ERA) is in line for the start for St. Louis. The right-hander allowed six runs over six innings in his last start, a 6-1 home defeat against the Mets on Friday. He was charged with the loss, scattering eight hits while striking out one and walking one.
Mikolas is making his first appearance against the Nationals this season. Mikolas made one start against the Nationals in 2022, a 6-2 road victory on July 29. He surrendered two runs on six hits over seven innings, striking out four and walking one.
For Washington, RHP Trevor Williams (3-4, 4.11 ERA) gets the ball. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Cardinals. Williams made one start against the Cardinals in 2022, throwing four innings for the Mets in a 3-1 home win on May 17.
He gave up four hits while striking out six in the no-decision. In his last start on Friday, Williams took a no-decision at home against the Marlins. He threw 4.1 innings and gave up five runs on seven hits, striking out two and walking three in the 6-5 loss.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, St. Louis has averaged 6.2 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.7, due in part to greater slugging (.514 vs .427). Against righties like Williams this season, the Cards have a .756 OPS.
Paul Goldschmidt is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with a .927 OPS in 212 at-bats. Washington is averaging only 3.6 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 4.2 for the season.
The Nats have a .686 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .852 OPS over 175 at-bats, Jeimer Candelario has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
St. Louis is on a four-game winning streak away from Busch Stadium, bringing their record to 18-22 in 2023. The Cards have scored 4.2 runs per game away from home while allowing 4.4 runs. Washington has lost nine in a row at Nationals Park.
The Nats are 12-26 at home this season, averaging 3.7 runs per game while surrendering 5.6. The teams have split their last 10 games at Nationals Park, though St. Louis has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 5.3-4.2.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Cardinals are fifth in the NL Central, eight games behind the division-leading Reds. The Nationals are fifth in the NL East, 19 games behind the Braves.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
St.Louis Cardinals (-165)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
