The St. Louis Cardinals (44-38) face the Cleveland Guardians (40-39) in the opener of a 3-game set Friday. First pitch from Progressive Field in Cleveland is set for 7:10 p.m. ET. (Apple TV+) Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Cardinals vs. Guardians odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting; St. Louis won 2-1 last year

The Cards split a 4-game set against the division-leading Chicago Cubs in what was a bit of a letdown. They won the first 2 games, and the pitching imploded in an 8-0 stinker Wednesday. The bats remained silent in a 3-0 loss Thursday. The Cards managed just 3 hits Thursday. Before that, though, they plated 5+ runs in 6 of 7 games.

The Guardians dropped 2 of 3 home games to the Toronto Blue Jays with the latest a 6-0 defeat Thursday. They still managed 17 runs in the previous 4 games to that shutout. 3B Jose Ramirez (forearm) left the game Thursday after he was hit on the right forearm with a pitch. He’s questionable, and if he’s ruled out, the odds will certainly change.

Cardinals at Guardians projected starters

RHP Sonny Gray vs. RHP Luis Ortiz

Gray (7-2, 3.72 ERA) makes his 16th start. He has a 1.19 WHIP, 1.8 BB/9 and 9.6 K/9 through 84 2/3 innings.

Last start: No-decision, 5 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 5 K Saturday in a 6-5 win in 11 inningsLast 5 starts vs. Cleveland: 0-2, 4.39 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 18 K’s in 26 2/3 IP

Ortiz (4-8, 4.30 ERA) makes his 16th start. He has a 1.41 WHIP, 4.5 BB/9 and 10.0 K/9 through 81 2/3 innings.

Last start: Win, 6 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 2 BB, 10 K in a 4-2 win Saturday at the Athletics4 career starts vs. St. Louis: 0-2, 10.50 ERA, 2.33 WHIP, 13 K’s in 12 IP

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Cardinals at Guardians odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:57 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Cardinals -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | Guardians +110 (bet $100 to win $110)Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cardinals -1.5 (+135) | Guardians +1.5 (-160)Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)Cardinals at Guardians picks and predictionsPrediction

Cardinals 6, Guardians 4

I like the Cardinals regardless of Ramirez’s status. The wind is blowing out, and after they were shut out 2 games in a row, the Cardinals are going to come out mashing.

Take the CARDINALS (-130).

I don’t care for either side here.

PASS.

Gray has a bad past against Cleveland, and Ortiz gives up far too many walks. Add those in with the 90-degree day and 9-mph wind blowing out to right-center, and I’ll take the OVER 8.5 (-115).

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