Washington
Nationals
71-82
Moneyline
-112
MLB Predictions
Washington Nationals vs St. Louis Cardinals Predictions
Friday, September 18, 2026 at 8:15pm EST at Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
@
St. Louis
Cardinals
75-78
Moneyline
-107
50%
50%
Spread
Washington Nationals -1.5
St. Louis Cardinals +1.5
Moneyline
Washington Nationals -112
St. Louis Cardinals -107
Total
Over 8 (-103)
Under 8 (-116)
Professional Picks
3 listed
Professional Picks On This Game
Nationals vs. Cardinals Prediction: Cavalli Gives Washington a Slight Edge
Analysis updated September 18, 2026 at 5:10 AM CDT
Washington gets a narrow winner lean behind its probable starter. The betting recommendation is Pass.
Cavalli's edge meets a near-even price
Washington has the stronger probable starter by ERA and WHIP, despite SPF pricing the Nationals at -105 and St. Louis at -115. Associated Press via Yahoo Sports lists Cade Cavalli with a 3.12 ERA and 1.17 WHIP, compared with Kyle Leahy's 3.33 ERA and 1.31 WHIP. Cavalli's lower rate of allowing walks and hits gives Washington a slight edge in the winner pick.
The same report puts the Cardinals' on-base percentage at .316, ninth in the National League. St. Louis is 75-78 overall and 37-41 at home, while Washington is 71-82. Those records don't establish a strong case for paying the favorite's price, but Cavalli's advantage alone doesn't show that Washington is worth backing either.
Betting recommendation
Pass on the moneyline. The starters remain probable, and without confirmed lineups or bullpen availability, the pitching comparison is too limited to establish a betting edge.
SPF lists the total at 7.5, with over -114 and under -106. Both starters' ERAs give a reason to consider the under, but they don't account for relief innings or weather. Pass on the total as well. The run line price is unavailable.
Pick
Washington Nationals
Confidence
low
Betting lean
Pass