St. Louis Cardinals vs. Milwaukee Brewers Prediction, Preview, Picks & Odds - 6/20/2022

Time: 8:10 p.m. ET

Venue: American Family Field, Milwaukee, WI

Where to watch: Bally Sports Midwest, Bally Sports Wisconsin

DraftKings: Brewers -150, Cardinals +130

BetMGM: Brewers -160, Cardinals +130

Caesars: Brewers -161, Cardinals +140

Cardinals: 38-30

Brewers: 38-30

I think there is no doubt in my mind now that we've had some time to digest this, that the St. Louis Cardinals blue a gigantic opportunity to extend their lead in the National League central over the last couple of weeks. Given the fact that the Milwaukee Brewers have falling off a great deal and have put themselves in a position to falter should have given the Cardinals ample enough reason to not only seize control of the division, where to put a wide gap between them and the Brewers.

Instead, as the Cardinals and Brewers begin a four game series in Milwaukee on Monday, we now have a much more important series between the top two teams in the National League central following the Cardinals recent losing stretch and the Brewers making quick, easy work of the Cincinnati Reds this weekend. And while this series may not ultimately determine who wins the National League central this year I think we can all agree to some extent that the Cardinals missed a gigantic opportunity here and if the Brewers come out of this winning three out of four, things are going to look very interesting as the calendar prepares to turn to July.

Because let's look at the Cardinals first because they are obviously the team that is under the microscope right now. After losing a series finale to the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Cardinals had a major opportunity in front of them to take on a pretty good Boston Red Sox team in Boston with a chance to in turn make a statement. Instead, the Red Sox chose 2 play some pretty good baseball this weekend and take two of three over the Cardinals including the finale despite the Cardinals best efforts to rally in the 9th inning.

St. Louis could not solve veteran pitcher Nick Pivetta, who went seven strong innings and struck out 10, while the Cardinals had only four hits through seven innings. Tyler O’Neill had a strong game going 3 for 4, but didn’t drive in any runs. Paul Goldschmidt went 1 for 4 with no RBI. Instead, it was Juan Yepez cutting into the lead with a pinch-hit three-run homer in the ninth, but the comeback was too little, too late.

The Cardinals by all accounts, were able to at least put some runs on the board on Saturday to the tune of 11 against the Red Sox but for them to find some sort of consistency has been a major challenge to this point. And I think that is what's most frustrating about this Cardinals team is that they have the talent between the pitching staff and the batting order, but they have yet to find that formula that works for them. And as they go into the beginning of this series on Monday putting out their best pitcher Miles Mikolas, they're going to need an outstanding effort from him, as much as the order.

And that in itself will not be easy because the Brewers will be sending out Corbin Burnes for the first game in this matchup and nothing says a tough matchup more than sending the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner out to the mound. And Milwaukee has to feel very good after sweeping the Reds over the weekend to at least ensure that this matchup with the Cardinals is as even keeled as it can be. The winner of this first game will take over first place in the division. And again, this game will not determine the overall winner, but if you're looking for trying to understand the trajectory of where these teams are at this first game, with the two best pitchers going at it, is a great barometer to figure out.

The last time I picked against Milwaukee star pitcher, he completely dominated the best team in the National League. I would be a fool to do it again, even if it is the Cardinals, and I do believe Milwaukee will find a way to win this game and get the home crowd going in which should be a very exciting series. Brewers win 5-3

Cardinals are 31-23 against right-handed starters this season.

Cardinals are 4-1 on Monday games this season.

Cardinals are 18-9 all-time when Miles Mikolas starts on the road when the line is between +125 and -125.

Brewers are 1-5 at home this season when the line is between +125 and -125.

Brewers are 21-11 against division opponents this season.

Cardinals:
Tommy Edman (S) SS
Brendan Donovan (L) 2B
Paul Goldschmidt (R) 1B
Nolan Arenado (R) 3B
Tyler O'Neill (R) LF
Dylan Carlson (S) RF
Albert Pujols (R) DH
Harrison Bader (R) CF
Ivan Herrera (R) C
SP - Miles Mikolas

Brewers:
Christian Yelich (L) DH
Willy Adames (R) SS
Andrew McCutchen (R) LF
Hunter Renfroe (R) RF
Luis Urias (R) 3B
Keston Hiura (R) 1B
Victor Caratini (S) C
Tyrone Taylor (R) CF
Mark Mathias (R) 2B
SP - Corbin Burnes

Batting average: Paul Goldschmidt -- .344

Home runs: Paul Goldschmidt -- 16

RBI: Paul Goldschmidt -- 58

Wins: Miles Mikolas -- 5

ERA: Miles Mikolas -- 2.62

Batting average: Rowdy Tellez -- .253

Home runs: Hunter Renfroe -- 13

RBI: Rowdy Tellez -- 39

Wins: Eric Lauer -- 6

ERA: Corbin Burnes -- 2.52