Preview and Prediction: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (August 4, 2025)
Introduction to the Matchup
The St. Louis Cardinals and the Los Angeles Dodgers are set to clash on August 4, 2025, in what promises to be a pivotal encounter in the thick of the MLB regular season. Both teams find themselves amidst significant playoff races, with the Cardinals fighting for a Wild Card spot in the National League, while the Dodgers are battling to maintain their lead in the NL West. This game is not only crucial for standings but also carries a rich history of competition between two storied franchises.
Analysis Content
Recent Performance
St. Louis Cardinals
Over their last 10 games, the Cardinals boast a 7-3 record, showcasing a late-season resurgence that has propelled them back into the playoff conversation. They are currently riding a four-game winning streak, highlighted by a thrilling 9-8 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers, where Nolan Arenado delivered a walk-off home run. This winning streak has been marked by timely hitting and improved pitching performances, particularly from their bullpen, which had been a weak spot earlier in the season.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers, meanwhile, have gone 6-4 in their last 10 outings. After enduring a brief three-game skid against the San Francisco Giants, they rebounded with a convincing series win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Their recent form has been anchored by a potent offense, which scored a combined 28 runs in their last five games. Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman have been instrumental in this offensive surge, consistently getting on base and driving in runs.
Head-to-Head History
This season, the Dodgers lead the Cardinals in their head-to-head matchups with a 4-2 record. Historically, Los Angeles has had the upper hand, winning 7 of their last 10 meetings dating back to the 2023 season. This trend places additional pressure on the Cardinals to perform if they are to tilt the scales in their favor.
Pitching Matchups
St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals will send right-hander Jack Flaherty to the mound. Flaherty, who has bounced back nicely from a sluggish start, currently holds a 3.76 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP with 9.7 strikeouts per nine innings. In his last outing, he threw seven innings of one-run ball against the Cubs, indicating he’s hitting his stride at a crucial juncture. There are no immediate injury concerns for Flaherty, making him a reliable option for the Cardinals.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers counter with left-hander Julio Urías, whose season stats include a 3.21 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP, with an impressive 10.1 strikeouts per nine innings. Urías has been a model of consistency for the Dodgers, and in his last start, he pitched six scoreless innings against the Rockies. His ability to keep runners off base has been a key factor in the Dodgers’ success this season.
Key Position-Player Matchups
St. Louis Cardinals
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Nolan Arenado: Batting .289 with an OPS of .870, Arenado has tallied 28 home runs and 85 RBIs. His recent form includes a .320 average and four homers over the last 10 games, making him a primary threat against Urías.
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Paul Goldschmidt: With a .274 average and an OPS of .860, Goldschmidt’s 25 home runs and 78 RBIs are indicative of his power and run-producing capabilities. His matchup against Urías will be intriguing, given his career .300 average against lefties.
Los Angeles Dodgers
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Mookie Betts: Sporting a .304 average and a .950 OPS, Betts has hit 30 home runs and driven in 75 runs. His .330 average over the last 15 games signifies a player in prime form, prepared to face Flaherty’s fastball-heavy approach.
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Freddie Freeman: Hitting .318 with an OPS of .920, Freeman’s 22 home runs and 90 RBIs showcase his consistent offensive production. He’s particularly effective against right-handers, boasting a .310 average, which bodes well against Flaherty.
Situational Factors
The game will take place at Dodger Stadium, a venue known for favoring pitchers due to its expansive outfield. Weather forecasts predict a clear evening with mild temperatures around 75°F, ideal conditions for baseball. Both teams report no major injuries impacting their starting lineups, although the Cardinals recently activated closer Ryan Helsley from the IL, potentially bolstering their bullpen.
Advanced Metrics
St. Louis Cardinals
- wRC+ (Weighted Runs Created Plus): The Cardinals’ lineup has a collective wRC+ of 105, indicating they are slightly above average offensively, with Arenado’s wRC+ of 135 leading the charge.
- FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching): Flaherty’s FIP stands at 3.90, suggesting his ERA is reflective of his overall pitching performance, independent of fielding.
Los Angeles Dodgers
- wRC+: The Dodgers are more robust offensively, with a team wRC+ of 115. Betts leads with a personal wRC+ of 145, underscoring his offensive prowess.
- FIP: Urías boasts an impressive FIP of 2.95, indicating his dominance on the mound is not just luck or fielding-dependent.
Prediction
Considering the current form, historical trends, and the matchups at play, the Los Angeles Dodgers appear to have the edge in this encounter. Their offensive depth and Urías’ consistency on the mound position them as favorites against a surging but less balanced Cardinals squad.
Projected Final Score: Dodgers 5, Cardinals 3
Confidence Level: I am 70% confident the Dodgers will secure the win, given their superior head-to-head record and overall team metrics. However, with both teams in contention and capable of clutch performances, expect a competitive contest.
Today MLB Pitcher Prop Bets Generator
| Player Name | Prop | Prediction | Line | Trends | Last 3 Games | Wind | Team | Odds | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Andrew Heaney | pitcher_earned_runs | Under | 3.5 | 2.71 | Under Hit 2/3 | Bad |  Pittsburgh Pirates | -155 | 08-01 |
| Andrew Heaney | pitcher_strikeouts | Under | 3.5 | 3.71 | Under Hit 2/3 | Bad | Pittsburgh Pirates | -110 | 08-01 |
 Antonio Senzatela | pitcher_earned_runs | Under | 3.5 | 3.62 | Under Hit 1/3 | Bad |  Colorado Rockies | -110 | 08-01 |
| Antonio Senzatela | pitcher_strikeouts | Over | 2.5 | 2.62 | Over Hit 3/3 | Bad | Colorado Rockies | -160 | 08-01 |
 Brady Singer | pitcher_earned_runs | Under | 2.5 | 2.67 | Under Hit 1/3 | Bad |  Cincinnati Reds | 100 | 08-01 |
| Brady Singer | pitcher_strikeouts | Under | 3.5 | 4.81 | Under Hit 1/3 | Bad | Cincinnati Reds | 285 | 08-01 |
 Bryce Elder | pitcher_earned_runs | Over | 2.5 | 3.59 | Over Hit 2/3 | Bad |  Atlanta Braves | -155 | 08-01 |
| Bryce Elder | pitcher_strikeouts | Under | 3.5 | 4.29 | Under Hit 2/3 | Bad | Atlanta Braves | 170 | 08-01 |
 Cade Horton | pitcher_earned_runs | Over | 1.5 | 2.15 | Over Hit 1/3 | Excellent |  Chicago Cubs | -160 | 08-01 |
| Cade Horton | pitcher_strikeouts | Under | 3.5 | 3.85 | Under Hit 1/3 | Excellent | Chicago Cubs | 180 | 08-01 |
 Carlos Rodon | pitcher_earned_runs | Under | 2.5 | 2.09 | Under Hit 2/3 | Neutral |  New York Yankees | -160 | 08-01 |
| Carlos Rodon | pitcher_strikeouts | Over | 6.5 | 6.68 | Over Hit 2/3 | Neutral | New York Yankees | 120 | 08-01 |
 Clayton Kershaw | pitcher_earned_runs | Under | 2.5 | 2.0 | Under Hit 2/3 | Neutral |  Los Angeles Dodgers | -135 | 08-01 |
| Clayton Kershaw | pitcher_strikeouts | Under | 3.5 | 3.25 | Under Hit 3/3 | Neutral | Los Angeles Dodgers | 130 | 08-01 |
 David Peterson | pitcher_earned_runs | Under | 2.5 | 1.9 | Under Hit 3/3 | Good |  New York Mets | -160 | 08-01 |
| David Peterson | pitcher_strikeouts | Over | 4.5 | 5.05 | Over Hit 1/3 | Good | New York Mets | -158 | 08-01 |
 Gavin Williams | pitcher_earned_runs | Under | 2.5 | 2.05 | Under Hit 2/3 | Good |  Cleveland Guardians | -160 | 08-01 |
| Gavin Williams | pitcher_strikeouts | Under | 5.5 | 5.19 | Under Hit 2/3 | Good | Cleveland Guardians | 128 | 08-01 |
 Hunter Brown | pitcher_earned_runs | Over | 2.5 | 1.67 | Over Hit 2/3 | Good |  Houston Astros | 105 | 08-01 |
| Hunter Brown | pitcher_strikeouts | Over | 6.5 | 7.1 | Over Hit 2/3 | Good | Houston Astros | -102 | 08-01 |
 Jack Flaherty | pitcher_earned_runs | Over | 2.5 | 2.62 | Over Hit 1/3 | Neutral |  Detroit Tigers | 115 | 08-01 |
| Jack Flaherty | pitcher_strikeouts | Under | 4.5 | 6.52 | Under Hit 0/3 | Neutral | Detroit Tigers | 280 | 08-01 |
 Jack Leiter | pitcher_earned_runs | Under | 2.5 | 2.33 | Under Hit 2/3 | Neutral |  Texas Rangers | -110 | 08-01 |
| Jack Leiter | pitcher_strikeouts | Over | 4.5 | 4.61 | Over Hit 3/3 | Neutral | Texas Rangers | -160 | 08-01 |
| Jack Leiter | pitcher_walks | Over | 1.5 | 2.5 | Over Hit 3/3 | Neutral | Texas Rangers | -190 | 08-01 |
 Janson Junk | pitcher_earned_runs | Under | 2.5 | 1.83 | Under Hit 1/3 | Neutral |  Miami Marlins | -105 | 08-01 |
| Janson Junk | pitcher_strikeouts | Under | 4.5 | 3.67 | Under Hit 2/3 | Neutral | Miami Marlins | -155 | 08-01 |
 Joe Ryan | pitcher_earned_runs | Over | 1.5 | 1.81 | Over Hit 1/3 | Good |  Minnesota Twins | -165 | 08-01 |
| Joe Ryan | pitcher_strikeouts | Over | 5.5 | 6.52 | Over Hit 1/3 | Good | Minnesota Twins | -140 | 08-01 |
 Jose Quintana | pitcher_earned_runs | Under | 2.5 | 2.13 | Under Hit 2/3 | Neutral |  Milwaukee Brewers | -150 | 08-01 |
| Jose Quintana | pitcher_strikeouts | Over | 3.5 | 3.67 | Over Hit 2/3 | Neutral | Milwaukee Brewers | -200 | 08-01 |
 Logan Gilbert | pitcher_earned_runs | Over | 1.5 | 1.93 | Over Hit 1/3 | Neutral |  Seattle Mariners | -155 | 08-01 |
| Logan Gilbert | pitcher_strikeouts | Over | 7.5 | 7.5 | Over Hit 2/3 | Neutral | Seattle Mariners | 112 | 08-01 |
 Matthew Liberatore | pitcher_earned_runs | Under | 2.5 | 2.47 | Under Hit 2/3 | Bad |  St. Louis Cardinals | -125 | 08-01 |
| Matthew Liberatore | pitcher_strikeouts | Over | 3.5 | 4.37 | Over Hit 1/3 | Bad | St. Louis Cardinals | -114 | 08-01 |
 Michael Wacha | pitcher_earned_runs | Under | 2.5 | 2.19 | Under Hit 3/3 | Neutral |  Kansas City Royals | -130 | 08-01 |
| Michael Wacha | pitcher_strikeouts | Over | 3.5 | 4.29 | Over Hit 2/3 | Neutral | Kansas City Royals | -158 | 08-01 |
 Mitchell Parker | pitcher_earned_runs | Under | 2.5 | 2.95 | Under Hit 2/3 | Neutral |  Washington Nationals | 100 | 08-01 |
| Mitchell Parker | pitcher_strikeouts | Under | 2.5 | 3.52 | Under Hit 1/3 | Neutral | Washington Nationals | 163 | 08-01 |
 Nick Pivetta | pitcher_earned_runs | Over | 1.5 | 1.81 | Over Hit 1/3 | Bad |  San Diego Padres | -150 | 08-01 |
| Nick Pivetta | pitcher_strikeouts | Over | 5.5 | 6.24 | Over Hit 1/3 | Bad | San Diego Padres | -140 | 08-01 |
 Ranger Suarez | pitcher_earned_runs | Over | 1.5 | 1.8 | Over Hit 2/3 | Neutral |  Philadelphia Phillies | -170 | 08-01 |
| Ranger Suarez | pitcher_strikeouts | Under | 4.5 | 6.0 | Under Hit 1/3 | Neutral | Philadelphia Phillies | 215 | 08-01 |
 Robbie Ray | pitcher_earned_runs | Under | 2.5 | 1.91 | Under Hit 2/3 | Good |  San Francisco Giants | -135 | 08-01 |
| Robbie Ray | pitcher_strikeouts | Over | 5.5 | 6.09 | Over Hit 1/3 | Good | San Francisco Giants | -152 | 08-01 |
 Shane Baz | pitcher_earned_runs | Under | 2.5 | 2.9 | Under Hit 2/3 | Neutral |  Tampa Bay Rays | 110 | 08-01 |
| Shane Baz | pitcher_strikeouts | Under | 5.5 | 5.52 | Under Hit 3/3 | Neutral | Tampa Bay Rays | -150 | 08-01 |
 Trevor Rogers | pitcher_earned_runs | Under | 2.5 | 1.0 | Under Hit 3/3 | Excellent |  Baltimore Orioles | -130 | 08-01 |
| Trevor Rogers | pitcher_strikeouts | Under | 3.5 | 5.0 | Under Hit 1/3 | Excellent | Baltimore Orioles | 150 | 08-01 |
 Tyler Anderson | pitcher_earned_runs | Over | 2.5 | 2.62 | Over Hit 2/3 | Neutral |  Los Angeles Angels | -125 | 08-01 |
| Tyler Anderson | pitcher_strikeouts | Under | 4.5 | 4.14 | Under Hit 3/3 | Neutral | Los Angeles Angels | -122 | 08-01 |
