Yesterday’s Results for Washington Nationals vs St. Louis Cardinals

MLB Dog of the Day - Thursday

Analysis: Soroka’s a pretty decent hurler for Washington to go with, as his 3-6 record and 5.40 ERA are not as bad as you might think for a guy who’s been pretty effective at times when his command is on. The WHIP also indicates he’s not going to walk a bunch of guys, so if he’s ahead in counts and can pitch to contact he can contain the Cardinals’ offense. Their bullpen has had issues all year, but has been more reliable recently and can hold a lead if starters get a reasonable start. Mikolas is more than capable of blowing his chances, as he’s in similar shape (4-6 with a 5.26 ERA) and just pitched a start where he was trashed by the opposition. He’s been a bit up and down all year and, though he did well against Washington in a start a few months ago, I have to think his recent track record means this is a game the Cardinals can lose. That said, they have a far deeper lineup that can beat you in several different ways, but they can also be quiet at the plate against guys they don’t see much, which applies to Soroka here. If the latter happens, and Soroka can pitch five/six clean innings for Washington, and the offense takes advantage of Mikolas’ mistakes early, it’s not crazy to think the Nationals have a shot at a road win. As an underdog, they’re a pretty interesting bet in what should be a much closer matchup than you’d guess from the odds. Jim's Play: 953. Nationals