Braves vs. Cardinals prediction and odds for Wednesday, April 5 (Expect high-scoring game)

The Atlanta Braves are off to a great start this season, going 4-1 through their first five games, but they have some issues with injuries at pitcher. 

Bryce Elder, who made 10 appearances for the team last season, will start on Wednesday in place of the injured Max Fried against the St. Louis Cardinals. 

Miles Mikolas, who was tagged for 10 hits and five earned runs in his first start this season, gets the ball for St. Louis. 

How should bettors wager on this early season matchup? First, let’s break down the odds and then get to my best bet for this game: 

Braves vs. Cardinals odds, run line and total

Braves vs. Cardinals prediction and pick

Mikolas was rocked by a solid Toronto Blue Jays offense in his first outing, but the Braves may be an even better group on offense with Ronald Acuna Jr., Austin Riley, Michael Harris and others leading the way. 

Meanwhile, Elder is making his first appearance of the season after going 2-4 with a 3.17 ERA as a rookie. 

I don’t think Elder is the pitcher to fade here, but the OVER is a solid bet since Mikolas is on the mound. 

Last season, Mikolas had a much higher FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) than his ERA, and he posted a 4.11 ERA over the final two months of the season. 

After getting lit up in his first start, I have every little confidence that he will slow down a Braves lineup that has scored seven or more runs three times in five games this season. 

Bet the OVER in this matchup. 

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.