Cardinals vs Brewers Odds, Picks and Probable Pitchers (Sep. 23)

• The Cardinals and Brewers wrap up a four-game set on Thursday at Miller Park
• Milwaukee is a -120 home favorite with Adrian Houser on the mound
• Find the preview, analysis, and prediction below

The surging St. Louis Cardinals (82-69, 40-36 away) will be looking for the sweep on Thursday in the series finale against the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers (91-61, 42-35 home). The first pitch is scheduled for 2:10 PM EST at Miller Park.

Following Wednesday’s victory, the Cardinals have now won a mind-boggling 11 games which has them comfortably in the final Wild Card spot for the time being. These two teams will also meet for a three-game set next week.

Two quality arms will be on the mound, with Adam Wainwright getting the ball for the Cards while the Brewers counter with Adrian Houser.

Cardinals vs Brewers Odds

Odds as of September 22nd at DraftKings.

Probable Pitchers

At 40-years-old, Wainwright is still absolutely dealing. The Cardinals veteran currently leads the rotation with a stellar 2.89 ERA and 16-7 record. He’s also tossed a ridiculous 196.1 innings this season while striking out 169. In an era where there are so many guys throwing triple digits, Wainwright is truly a pitcher. He doesn’t light up the radar gun anymore but instead, the righty relies on his pinpoint command and tremendous off-speed stuff to get outs. Wainwright has allowed a mere 43 walks this season and almost always gives his team a chance to win a ballgame.

The 40-year-old Adam Wainwright picked up his 16th win of the season on Monday and is now just 1 shy of Julio Urías' 17.

Wainwright is seeking to become the oldest pitcher ever (by age on final day of season) to lead the majors in wins. pic.twitter.com/FCREdV8Xqm

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 14, 2021

Wainwright is coming off an impressive outing last time out, tossing six frames of two-run baseball against the Padres where he walked away with the no-decision. The right-hander hasn’t surrendered more than four runs in a single start since the end of May and has pitched at least six innings in each of his previous 13 appearances. In three starts against Milwaukee this season, Wainwright has a 2.08 ERA.

Wainwright vs Houser

Houser is enjoying a respectable year as one of the Brewers’ main starters, going 9-6 with a 3.43 ERA in 26 appearances. While he has put up some respectable numbers, the 28-year-old has struggled with command. He’s allowed 60 walks in 131.1 innings and has given up seven free passes across the last two starts. His most previous outing did turn out to be rough, tossing just four innings after the revamped Chicago Cubs scored four earned runs off him.

#Brewers starting pitcher Adrian Houser on his outing: "It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great." pic.twitter.com/ULB9yTwcTQ

— Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) September 18, 2021

However, his first couple of outings in September were much better, allowing zero runs. On September 4th, he even tossed a complete-game shutout against the Cardinals. In fact, Houser could be the guy to silence St. Louis’s hot bats. He’s faced them twice in 2021 and has yet to surrender an earned run. He also had a 2.33 ERA across his last seven starts.

Batting Average vs Starting Pitchers

You won’t be able to find any team in the Majors who is firing on all cylinders like the Cardinals right now. During this current win streak, St. Louis is scoring an average of six runs per game and has been electrifying offensively. Tyler O’Neill led the charge on Tuesday, going 2 for 5 with his 29th home run and three RBI’s. In fact, the Cards had five different players register multi-hit games as they absolutely terrorized Milwaukee’s arms.

HOW HOT IS TYLER! pic.twitter.com/aN425U8fxz

— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) September 22, 2021

The Brewers have the NL Central title in the bag, holding a nine-game lead over the Cardinals in the division. However, they’ve lost three straight to their rivals and could really use a victory on Wednesday. With Houser on the mound, it’s definitely possible. But, Milwaukee’s offense will have a tough task with Wainwright looking to dominate once again.

Cardinals vs Brewers Prediction

This is a tough one to call because both pitchers have enjoyed success against these respective lineups. However, Houser has an ERA well under three at Miller Park and in day games. I do think Wainwright will throw a gem, but I expect the Brewers to come out on top in a very close game that will be decided late. Given the talent on the mound, the “Under” in runs is going to hold value as well.

Pick: Milwaukee Brewers moneyline (-120), Under 8 Runs (-105)