The number that jumps off the page right now is 6.5 — that's the average combined score across the recent head-to-head battles between these National League rivals. St. Louis Cardinals step onto Busch Stadium on Thursday, 13 August at 4:15 am AEST looking to back up their latest result against Philadelphia. With Kyle Leahy scheduled to pitch for St. Louis and Zack Wheeler taking the mound for Philadelphia, this matchup brings serious heat. Whether you're tracking fresh mlb tips or breaking down the matchup edges, the data sets up a tight battle.

Who Takes Out Busch Stadium?

Philadelphia comes into this contest sitting second in their division with 64 wins and 57 losses (.529 winning percentage), compared to St. Louis at 60 wins and 60 losses (.500). On the season, the Phillies have scored 534 runs and allowed 535, while the Cardinals have put up 522 runs against 529 allowed.

St. Louis is coming off a 2-0 win over Philadelphia on 12 August, giving them three wins from their last five overall starts. Over that five-game sample, the Cardinals averaged 4.6 runs for and 4.0 against. Philadelphia is coming off that 0-2 loss, posting a 2-3 record over their last five overall outings while conceding an average of 5.0 runs per game.

Looking at recent head-to-head encounters, St. Louis secured that 2-0 shut-out win most recently after Philadelphia took the previous game 6-5. On the head-to-head market board, Philadelphia holds favourite status at 1.58, with St. Louis sitting at 2.4.

Head to HeadOdds correct as at 4:12 am AEST. Odds can change.
Solid tickOur tip: Philadelphia Phillies. Philadelphia holds a superior season record with 64 wins and rates as a strong contender to bounce back following a close loss.

Tipped at $1.58 (3:12 am AEST). Opinion, not a guarantee. Gamble responsibly — 18+.

Head-to-head context

Season and last-five scoring — context for the match-winner market.

4.4Season avg runs for4.6
4.7Season avg runs against4.2
48%Season win rate55%
3.2Last 5 avg runs for4.4
20%Last-five win rate60%

Line Play: Cardinals Get +1.5 Start

The line market places St. Louis at +1.5 runs (1.8) and Philadelphia at -1.5 runs (2.0). The numbers say St. Louis has shown solid grit at home recently. Across their last five home games, the Cardinals have won three and lost two, boasting an average win margin of 2 runs while keeping losses to an average margin of 1.5 runs.

Because Philadelphia's average winning margin over their last five overall games is just 1 run, taking St. Louis with the +1.5 start rates a real chance to keep things tightly contested at Busch Stadium.

LineOdds correct as at 4:12 am AEST. Odds can change.
Solid tickOur tip: St. Louis Cardinals +1.5. St. Louis averages 4.6 runs for across their last five home games, making a +1.5 run start an attractive angle in a tight matchup.

Tipped at $1.80 (3:12 am AEST). Opinion, not a guarantee. Gamble responsibly — 18+.

Line cover (form)

Cover rate applies this match's live spread to recent completed scores — not a season ATS record.

St. Louis Cardinals+1.5last 5

Cover rate40%2/5
Avg margin (-2.4)avg -2.4vs -1.5
-74

Philadelphia Phillies-1.5last 5

Cover rate60%3/5
40%Cover % (form)60%
H2H cover (St. Louis Cardinals +1.5)60%3/5

Total Runs: Under 8.5 Signals Value

The total runs line is set at 8.5 runs, with the Under at 1.7 and the Over at 2.15. That 6.5 average combined total score from past head-to-head meetings stands out sharply against the 8.5 line.

Across their last five overall games, St. Louis has averaged 4.6 runs for and 4.0 against, while Philadelphia has averaged 4.4 runs for and 5.0 against. Following Wednesday's low-scoring 2-0 outcome, staying Under 8.5 total runs gets a big tick.

Total RunsOdds correct as at 4:12 am AEST. Odds can change.
Big tickOur tip: Under 8.5. Past head-to-head meetings between these sides average 6.5 combined runs, staying well below Thursday's 8.5 line.

Tipped at $1.70 (3:12 am AEST). Opinion, not a guarantee. Gamble responsibly — 18+.

Total runs

Combined score from recent completed games · marker shows live line 8.5.

St. Louis Cardinals games (n=5)avg 8.8vs 8.5
415
Philadelphia Phillies games (n=5)avg 8.8vs 8.5
415
H2H meetings (n=5)avg 10.2vs 8.5
415

Hit rate vs 8.5

St. Louis Cardinalsn=5
Over 60%Under 40%
Philadelphia Philliesn=5
Over 80%Under 20%
H2Hn=5
Over 80%Under 20%
3.2Avg runs for (form)4.4

Popular Same Game Multi Combos

Punters looking for multi options have several featured combos on the board. The leg featuring Phillies to win, Over 8.5 total runs in the match & Phillies to win the 1st inning is priced at 7. Another option with Cardinals to win, Over 4.5 Cardinals total runs in the match & Alec Burleson to hit 1+ home runs is available at 10.

For player performance angles, Phillies to win, Over 6.5 Phillies total runs in the match & Bryce Harper to hit 1+ home runs is listed at 10, while Cardinals to win, Over 5.5 Cardinals total runs & Jordan Walker to hit 1+ home runs sits at 15.