2019 MLB – Atlanta Braves @ St. Louis Cardinals Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Atlanta Braves @ St. Louis Cardinals taking place? Monday 7th October, 2019 – 20:07 (UK)
Where is Atlanta Braves @ St. Louis Cardinals taking place? Busch Stadium
What is the expected weather for Atlanta Braves @ St. Louis Cardinals? Sunny, 22c
What television channel is Atlanta Braves @ St. Louis Cardinals on? BT Sport 1 in the UK / TBS in the US
Where can I stream Atlanta Braves @ St. Louis Cardinals? BT Sport subscribers can stream the match live via the BT Sport website or app in the UK / MLB.tv in the US
Where can I get tickets for Atlanta Braves @ St. Louis Cardinals? https://www.mlb.com/tickets/season-tickets
What was the outcome in the last meeting? St. Louis Cardinals 1 – 3 Atlanta Braves
THE TEAM NEWS
ATLANTA BRAVES
- The Braves were down in the ninth inning for the second time in three games during the current NLDS series but contrary to what happened in Game 1 where they fell short, this time they completed the comeback in spectacular fashion, scoring three runs in the top of the ninth inning. With the win, the Braves are up 2-1 and will have two chances to clinch a spot in the NLCS, where they would meet either the Los Angeles Dodgers or the Washington Nationals. They also stole home-field advantage, so a potentially decisive matchup would be at home.
- Reliever Chris Martin has been ruled out for the remainder of the series, and the same goes for Johan Camargo. Adam Duvall is the player to watch here for the Braves. The outfielder was a pinch hitter in Game 3, but he drove in two runs and is hitting .750 in the first three games of the NLCS so far.
- Julio Teheran, who was added to the postseason roster following the injury sustained by Martin, is expected to start Game 4. The 28-year-old Colombian righty went 10-11 with a 3.81 ERA during the regular season, but he struggled badly in his lone postseason start. He has a 12.46 ERA and a 2.31 WHIP in two playoff appearances in his career.
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
- The Cardinals were not shutout, as in Game 2, but they only scored one run in Game 3 so now they have crossed home plate just once in their last 18 innings. They were one of the top teams in the National League at home during the regular season (50-31), but now they need to show it in an elimination game.
- The Cardinals have no injury concerns ahead of this game and the lone player that would be eligible to return during the playoffs, Michael Wacha, won’t be off the Injury List until October 14th. One player to watch for St. Louis so far has been Marcell Ozuna, as he went 2-for-4 in Game 3 and has hit .500 with a 1.288 OPS in the first three playoffs game.
- The Cardinals have not announced which player will start Game 4 of the NLDS, although recent reports have indicated Dakota Hudson will get the nod. The right-hander recorded 32 starts in 2019 but struggled slightly with control, allowing 86 walks and a 1.41 WHIP. He also posted a 3.35 ERA in 2019 in 33 total appearances.
THE PREDICTION
The home-field advantage hasn’t been much of a factor so far in these series, as the home team has gone 1-2 so far in the series. St. Louis, however, have delivered at home every time they have been forced to do so in 2019, and they have their backs against the wall entering this one. St. Louis must improve their offense since they have averaged 3.6 runs scored per game, but they have the perfect chance to do so considering Julio Teheran’s struggles during the playoffs. Expect the Cardinals to even the series and make it 2-2.
