Athletics vs. Cardinals:
After a dominant Monday victory over the Cardinals, the Athletics head back to St. Louis aiming to continue their hot streak. This three-game series has little bearing on the standings, as both clubs are well out of playoff contention, but pride and momentum are on the line. For the Athletics, building confidence on the road while facing a struggling pitcher could create the perfect opportunity for a strong performance early in the game.
The Cardinals turn to veteran right hander Miles Mikolas, who has struggled this season despite some misleading home numbers. While he has looked solid in recent starts, the underlying metrics indicate that his results have been inflated by luck. Oakland’s lineup, which includes multiple elite- and above-average hitters, could take advantage of these vulnerabilities. This sets the stage for a high-value first five innings prop that deserves close attention as the game unfolds.
For additional information on picks, props, moneylines, and more on today’s slate, take a look at our MLB Picks Page or our MLB Odds Page, here.
Write Up Transparency
Be sure to follow me on X/Twitter @ColbyMBets to get my full card every day! Picks are always FREE.
Last Month: 65-87 (+10.37u)
Last Week: 9-13 (-0.45u)
Athletics vs. Cardinals Best Bets – September 2
Can Brent Rooker be the spark the Athletics need this evening?
Check out BetOnline’s New No Strings Welcome Offer that gives new MLB players up to $250 in Free Bets and 100 Free Casino Spins with their first deposit. Find out more about this Promotion as well as lots of other Free Sportsbook Promos right here!
Coming off a monster Monday victory over the Cardinals in game one of this three-game series, the no-city Athletics look to keep their momentum rolling tonight in St. Louis against a struggling right hander.
At this point in the season, both clubs are playing for pride. Each sits more than 12 games back in their respective divisions, and with the schedule winding down, finishing strong is the only goal left.
The Cardinals send veteran Miles Mikolas to the mound this evening. The 37-year-old right hander has struggled throughout the season, carrying a 5.04 ERA and 1.35 WHIP. While he has looked sharper at home, much like Slade Cecconi that I wrote about previously, the underlying numbers show he has benefited from luck more than skill.
In his last seven home starts, Mikolas owns a 2.35 ERA, but his expected ERA is 4.39. Over his last five, he has posted a 2.60 ERA, but the expected number sits at 5.71. More recently, in his last three outings at Busch Stadium, Mikolas has a 3.24 ERA compared to a 6.30 xERA. During that span, his xFIP is 4.95, while he has allowed 41% hard contact with a 9.4% barrel rate. Hitters in that stretch own a .304 xBA, .552 xSLG, and a sub-.400 xwOBA.
That is why we are targeting the Athletics first five team total over 2.5 at +125. This is a play banking on Mikolas’ fortune finally running out against an Athletics lineup that has quietly been putting together quality at-bats.
Batters-Box’s current season ratings back this angle as well, ranking Mikolas dead last on today’s slate. He owns poor marks in matchup wOBA, ISO, hard contact, and strikeout percentage, while allowing more than 40% hard contact across the year.
Left handed hitters have been especially problematic. The last 60 lefties Mikolas has faced have combined for a .349 xBA, .641 xSLG, and .421 xwOBA. Over that stretch he owns a 7.11 ERA and 7.19 xERA. Fortunately for Oakland, four of their top six rated bats on Batters-Box will swing it from the left side tonight.
The Athletics come into this one with the second highest rated offense on the slate, featuring three elite bats, three rated great, one above league strikeout rate, and four above league ground ball rate. Over their last 60 road plate appearances, six hitters are batting above .246 with a wOBA above .318 and OPS north of .734.
Despite Oakland struggling to consistently score away from home, averaging fewer than two runs in the first five, St. Louis is allowing 2.71 runs in the first five at Busch Stadium.
This sets up as another prime spot for the Athletics to make noise and potentially explode again in St. Louis. Mikolas has shown cracks in his game, particularly against left-handed bats, and his recent luck cannot last forever. Oakland’s lineup, loaded with elite and above-average hitters, is perfectly positioned to take advantage early. The numbers point to a first five innings surge, and at +125, the value is clear. Tonight, backing the Athletics to jump out quickly and put pressure on Mikolas feels like one of the sharpest plays of the slate.
Best Bet: Athletics First Five Team Total Over 2.5 Runs (+125) odds via BetOnline
Interested in More Content?
Get FREE Picks and Props Weekly
Sign up for
THE WEEKENDER NEWSLETTER
Follow me on X @ColbyMBets for all my picks and sports opinions. Follow Betting News on ‘X’ and Twitch and catch us on stream! Betting News is also on TikTok! Follow us for more picks and news every day!
In need of a sportsbook? Check out one of our favorites below among our best online sportsbooks and sign-up for a bonus!
Check Out All of Our Betting Resources at Betting News
- Picks & Odds for the NFL
- NFL Betting Guide for Beginners
- Pick & Odds for NCAAF
- NCAAF Betting Guide for Beginners
- Picks & Odds in the MLB
- MLB Betting Guide for Beginners
- Picks & Odds in the NBA
- NBA Betting Guide for Beginners
- Picks & Odds in the NHL
- NHL Betting Guide for Beginners
More Betting Stories