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Phillies vs. Cardinals Prediction and Odds for Sunday, July 10 (Both Offenses Are a Disappearing Act)

By Ben Heisler

St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado has had an excellent season despite his team scoring seven runs all of this week.
St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado has had an excellent season despite his team scoring seven runs all of this week. / Brett Davis/GettyImages
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Two NL Wild Card contenders look to end their series on a high note in St. Louis when the Cardinals host the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday afternoon.

St. Louis' bats have been silent for much of the series, but the oddsmakers expect a turnaround against Phillies' right-hander Nick Nelson (3-1, 4.17 ERA).

On the Cardinals' side, right-hander Andre Pallante has a disappointing 2-4 record, but a very solid 3.03 ERA.

After surging to the top of the NL Central in late June, St. Louis has fallen back to earth despite a better run differential than the division-leading Brewers. Can they deliver as favorites despite their recent struggles?

Here are the latest odds via WynnBET Sportsbook:

Phillies vs. Cardinals Odds, Run Line and Total

Run Line:

  • Phillies +1.5 (-210)
  • Cardinals -1.5 (+170)

Moneyline:

  • Phillies +100
  • Cardinals -110

Total:

  • 9 (OVER +100 | UNDER -120)

Phillies vs. Cardinals Prediction and Pick

What's happened to the Cardinals' offense?

They've yet to score in this series and have scored a total of seven runs since last Sunday. It seems beyond comprehension considering the dynamic bats in their lineup, but St. Louis is struggling mightily at the plate.

They'll have to turn things around against the Philadelphia bullpen this afternoon. Phillies pitcher Nick Nelson makes his first start of the year as an opener on Sunday. In 22 appearances, Nelson has a 4.17 ERA, but his Fielder Independent Pitching, or FIP is a full run lower a 3.17; implying he's been a bit unlucky with balls in play.

Meanwhile, St. Louis rolls with Andre Pallante, whose 3.04 ERA is excellent despite his lack of run support. He does have some regression coming, as his expected ERA (xERA) sits at 3.76, but still a solid number regardless.

Philadelphia's offense has also gone cold, but it's been good enough to win the first two games of the series; shutting out St. Louis 2-0 and 1-0 on Friday and Saturday. It's always feasible that both teams break out at the same time, but I'm not counting on it today.

LEAN: UNDER 9 (-120)

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