A lot can change in the second half of the season, but as things stand now, it certainly looks as though the Wild Card races in both leagues are going to go down to the wire. In the American League, there are currently 3 teams within 2 ½ games of the final Wild Card spot, while in the National League, things are even tighter, with no less than 7 teams all sitting within 4 games of the final spot there.

Make no mistake about it, we are at the stage of the season where every win and loss mean more than it did previously, as a streak of any kind can dramatically change the standings. Interleague games that were fun in the early part of the season are now deadly serious, which is why this one should be fun. Both of these teams are very much still in their respective playoff races, so look for them both to make the most of this 2-game series. The Cardinals are favored by 1 ½ at home, with the run total for the Tuesday game set at 8 ½.

Athletics vs Cardinals MLB Lines & Game Preview

• When: Tuesday, June 25 at 8:15 PM EST
• Where: Busch Stadium, St. Louis
• Starting Pitchers: Bassitt vs. Flaherty
• TV: MLB Extra Innings
• Radio: ESPN 92.9
• Live Stream: MLB.tv
• MLB Odds: St. Louis Cardinals -145 (Total 9)

Rockies vs Giants MLB Odds, Game Info & Analysis

Why bet on the Oakland A’s?

The Oakland A’s have proven to be a bit of a streaky team this season, and while they would certainly like to be more consistent, their positive runs have helped keep them in the American League playoff hunt. Ideally, they would like to get better on the road, where they are currently 2 games under .500 at 17-19.

It’s not an awful road record, but if they could get above .500 in the second half of the season, they might just hang around in the Wild Card. That certainly does look like their best bet, as they are now 8 games off the pace being set by the Houston Astros atop the division. The A’s have won 6 of their last 9, although all at home. They will hand the ball to Chris Bassitt (4-3, 3.64 ERA) for this one.

Team Stats

• Runs: 2.42
• Hits: 4.13
• Walks: 1.60
• Strike Outs: 3.74

• Runs: 2.19
• Hits: 4.01
• Walks: 1.62
• Strike Outs: 3.83

Why bet on the St. Louis Cardinals?

While some of the division races in the MLB appear to be heading in a very definite direction, that is not something you can say about the NK Central. Just 2 ½ games separate first from third, so this thing is definitely there for the taking. It is the Cardinals who are currently occupying that #3 spot right now, sitting with a 40-37 record after going 6-4 in their last 10 games, a run that has allowed them to make up a little bit of ground on the leaders.

The Cardinals have played .500 ball at 4-4 SU in interleague games this season, but you would like them to have the edge here given that they are 24-16 in their own ballpark. It will be Jack Flaherty (4-4, 4.24 ERA) who gets the start on Tuesday.

Team Stats

• Runs: 2.14
• Hits: 3.80
• Walks: 1.61
• Strike Outs: 3.89

• Runs: 2.05
• Hits: 3.72
• Walks: 1.60
• Strike Outs: 3.95

How to Bet Rays vs Twins MLB Spread & Expert Pick

Athletics vs Cardinals MLB Betting Trends

• Athletics are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games against St. Louis
• The total has gone Under in 4 of Oakland’s last 5 games on the road
• Cardinals are 12-6 SU in their last 18 games played on a Tuesday
• The total has gone Under in 8 of St. Louis’ last 11 games against an opponent in the American League
• Cardinals are 517-366 against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997
• Athletics are 138-103 against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons

Expert Pick & Final Score Prediction for Athletics vs Cardinals

I would not be surprised to see these two games end in a split, so it’s simply a matter of deciding who wins which game. I am leaning towards the A’s in this one, although expect a close one.

Score: Oakland Athletics 4 – St. Louis Cardinals 3