The second half of the 2019 MLB season is now in full swing, with the madness that is the trade deadline now just around the corner. While we are certainly not suggesting that the first half of the season is in any way meaningless, this is usually the time of the season when the good teams start to separate from the pack. Everyone is aware that the 162-game season is a marathon, not a sprint, but with the finish line beginning to come upon the horizon, a lot of teams are going to be gearing up for that final push that gets them over the line first.

The LA Dodgers appear to be the only team that would be considered a lock for a division title, with other divisions still very much up in the air. One of the tightest races can be found in the NL Central, where the St. Louis Cardinals now appear to be making a move. St. Louis will be a 1 ½ run favorite over the Pittsburgh Pirates, who they thumped on Monday night, with the run total set at 9.

Pirates vs Cardinals MLB Lines, Game Info & Betting Pick

• When: Tuesday, July 16 at 8:15 PM EST
• Where: Busch Stadium, St. Louis
• Starting Pitchers: Agrazal vs. Flaherty
• TV: MLB Extra Innings
• Radio: KMOX
• Live Stream: MLB.tv
• MLB Odds: St. Louis Cardinals -185 (Total 9)

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Why bet on the Pittsburgh Pirates?

At just 5 ½ games out of first in the NL Central, the Pittsburgh Pirates are clearly still in the hunt for a playoff spot, but you do have to wonder for how much longer. They are not really there on their own merits, as 44-49 is not a great record, but rather because no other team in the division has been consistent enough to get on a run that would open up a big lead.

After getting shelled by the Cardinals on Monday night, the Pirates have now lost 4 in a row and are just 4-6 in their last 10 games. It also means that they are now jus8 22-28 SU on the road, although 26-20 ATS as a road dog. They will have Dario Agrazal (2-0, 2.81 ERA) on the mound for this one.

Team Stats

• Runs: 4.75
• Hits: 9.48
• Walks: 2.65
• Strike Outs: 7.78

• Runs: 5.34
• Hits: 9.20
• Walks: 3.69
• Strike Outs: 8.89

Why bet on the St. Louis Cardinals?

In terms of the divisional race, the Cardinals are somewhat similar to the Pirates, but they are starting to show signs that a second-half run might just be possible. Their 7-0 win over Pittsburgh last night took the Cardinals winning streak to a modest 3 games, but perhaps more importantly, it moved them into second in the division, just 2 games back of the Chicago Cubs.

While the Cardinals road record does leave a lot to be desired, they have been good at home, going 27-19 SU, although just 16-21 ATS as a home favorite. They are 4-3 versus the Pirates this season and will look to improve upon that with Jack Flaherty (4-6, 4.64 ERA) starting this one.

Team Stats

• Runs: 4.47
• Hits: 8.20
• Walks: 3.33
• Strike Outs: 8.46

• Runs: 4.34
• Hits: 7.98
• Walks: 3.33
• Strike Outs: 8.61

Dodgers vs Phillies MLB Betting Lines & Prediction

Pirates vs Cardinals MLB Betting Trends

• Pirates are 0-6 SU in their last 6 games on the road
• The total has gone OVER in 7 of Pittsburgh’s last 9 games
• Cardinals are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games played in July
• The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis’ last 5 games at home
• Pirates are 61-55 against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons
• Flaherty is 3-1 when starting against Pittsburgh with an ERA of 2.48 and a WHIP of 1.000
• Pirates are 3-4 against St. Louis this season

Expert Pick & Final Score Prediction for Pirates vs Cardinals

There has been very little between these two teams over the course of their regular-season series, but you can sense a shift in fortunes right now. The Cardinals look to be on the rise, while the Pirates are heading in the wrong direction. With that in mind, I am on St. Louis here

Score: Pittsburgh Pirates 2 – St. Louis Cardinals 5