2019 MLB – St. Louis Cardinals @ Atlanta Braves Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is St. Louis Cardinals @ Atlanta Braves taking place? Thursday 3rd October, 2019 – 22:02 (UK)
Where is St. Louis Cardinals @ Atlanta Braves taking place? SunTrust Park
What is the expected weather for St. Louis Cardinals @ Atlanta Braves? Mostly sunny, 35c
What television channel is St. Louis Cardinals @ Atlanta Braves on? BT Sport 1 in the UK / TBS in the US
Where can I stream St. Louis Cardinals @ Atlanta Braves? 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 St. Louis Cardinals @ Atlanta Braves? https://www.mlb.com/tickets/season-tickets
What was the outcome in the last meeting? St. Louis Cardinals 3 – 4 Atlanta Braves
THE TEAM NEWS
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
- The Cardinals claimed the NL Central title with a 91-71 record and while they ended the season with a win against the Chicago Cubs, it must be noted that they went 1-4 in their last four games and 6-4 over their last 10 which is not the kind of form you would want to carry into a postseason tie. They were rather average on the road as well, finishing with a 41-40 mark away from Busch Stadium during the regular season.
- Second baseman Kolten Wong is questionable ahead of this game, while Michael Wacha could eventually return during the postseason. One player to watch for the Cardinals is veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, who led the Cardinals in both home runs (34) and RBI (97) in 2019, while hitting for .260 with a .822 OPS.
- Miles Mikolas will get the start for the Cardinals in Game 1, in what will be his postseason debut. The right-hander wasn’t able to repeat his impressive 2018 season, but still ended the campaign with a 9-14 mark and a 4.16 ERA. He was at his best down the stretch, however, as he posted a 3.03 ERA in his final six starts of the season.
ATLANTA BRAVES
- The Braves were one of the most surprising teams during the 2019 season, and they cruised their way towards the NL East title thanks to a 97-65 record, the second-best mark in the National League. They went 50-31 at home, but ended the campaign going 4-6 in their last 10 MLB outings.
- Star centerfielder and NL MVP candidate Ronald Acuña Jr. is questionable for this game due to a groin injury, and Josh Donaldson carries the same status but due to a hip issue. Both players, however, are likely to start in Game 1. Acuña Jr. is Atlanta’s player to watch here, as he finished the regular season with 41 home runs, 101 RBI and 37 stolen bases.
- Dallas Keuchel will get the start for the Braves in Game 1, mostly due to his postseason experience. The veteran lefty went 8-8 with a 3.75 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP since signing with the Braves in June. Like Mikolas, Keuchel finished the year on a strong note as well as he posted a 2.55 ERA over his final nine starts of the season.
THE PREDICTION
The Cardinals enter this game on slightly better form, but the home/away factor can’t be denied ahead of this game since the Braves were impressive at home during 2019 (50-31), while the Cardinals were average on the road (41-40). Plus, Atlanta have a clear edge in the pitching department since Keuchel has far more experience than Mikolas in postseason. Those deciding factor tip the scales for the Braves ahead of Game 1 of the series.
