MLB Playoffs: Nationals vs. Cardinals NLDS Game 1 Picks & Predictions
By ATSSportsline.com
ST. LOUIS, MO (ATS Consultants) – This is the opening of the National League Divisional Series. Washington won four of the seven games this year. The Cardinals are coming off a 6-3 road win over Atlanta on Friday in the wild card game. Gio Gonzalez takes the mound for the Nats, while Adam Wainright goes to the hill for the Cards. The opening pitch starts at 3pmET from Busch Stadium in St. Louis.
ODDS: According to oddsmakers from online sports book Bovada.lv, St. Louis is a -110 favorite over Washington. The total is 7 in most books. The Nats come in with a 98-64 overall record and are 79-73 Over, while the Cards are 89-74 overall and are 79-79 Over/Under
LINE MOVEMENT: The Cardinals opened as a -105 favorite and moved to -110 at most books. The total started at 7 and remained there at most books.
PUBLIC BETTING: Of the wagers currently placed on tonight’s game, 63% of public bettors favor the Nationals. These numbers are subject to change, however, so make sure you click on the “Public Betting” link available in this paragraph to get the most up-to-date information.
MLB FREE PICK: Take Washington. According to latest MLB trends, the Nationals are 7-3 last 10 in series, 21-8 in thier last 29 vs. NL Central, 35-17 last 52 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game, 10-0 in Gonalez's last 10 starts vs. NL Central, 7-1 in Gonzalez's last 8 during game 1 of a series, 6-1 in Gonzalez's last 6 as a dog and 12-3 in Gonzalez's last 15 road starts. St. Louis goes up against the team with the best record in baseball with their ace on the mound. The Cardinals took advantage of three errors to score three unearned runs in the wild card game and had to play the final two innings under protest after a disputed infield fly rule was called to their advantage. The Nationals will be making the franchise’s first trip to the playoffs since the Montreal Expos lost the 1981 NLCS. Washington, D.C. has not hosted a playoff game since the Senators in 1933 and it will have to wait until Game 3, with the series beginning in St. Louis. Gonzalez led the majors in wins while ranking sixth in the NL in ERA and tied for fourth in strikeouts with 207. The left-hander did not allow more than three earned runs in any of his last 10 starts and has had plenty of rest, making his last start in a win at Philadelphia on Sept. 27. Gonzalez pitched his lone career shutout against St. Louis on Aug. 31, surrendering five hits and walking three while striking out eight. He recorded 13 groundouts in that effort. Wainright pitched in that game and was lit up for six runs on nine hits in just 2 2/3 innings. The right-hander was well-rested but was passed over in favor of Kyle Lohse in the wild card game and could take two turns in the division series.
2012 MLB POSTSEASON FREE PICK: WASHINGTON NATIONALS –105
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