Washington Nationals vs St. Louis Cardinals

Cade Cavalli is the clear pitching edge in this game — 3.12 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and an impressive 194 K in 164.2 IP, well ahead of Kyle Leahy (3.33 ERA, 1.31 WHIP). The Cardinals lineup is weak (.702 OPS) with multiple cold spots and a soft recent form (4-6 L10, L2 streak). Washington counters with James Wood (.909 OPS, 30 HR) and CJ Abrams (.834 OPS) as lineup anchors, though Abrams has been cold ❄️ recently. The Nationals hit RHP at .241/.737, decent but not elite. The near-pick'em line (-111) offers slight positive value on a team with the better starter. Still, Washington is 71-82 and their offense has been inconsistent.