St. Louis Cardinals vs Washington Nationals Picks and Predictions July 28th 2024

Nationals’ Juan Yepez Aims to Keep Hot Streak Alive Against Cardinals

Juan Yepez, the Washington Nationals‘ first baseman, is making waves in his return to St. Louis, where he previously played parts of the 2022 and 2023 seasons. As the Nationals gear up for the series finale against the Cardinals, Yepez is on a tear, adding firepower to the team’s offense.

Juan Yepez’s Impressive Run

Yepez has been a bright spot for the Nationals, hitting an impressive .377 with a 1.037 OPS in 18 games since being called up from Triple-A Rochester. His standout performance against the Cardinals includes going 5-for-9 with five RBIs and three runs. Nationals manager Dave Martinez lauded Yepez, saying

Pitching Face-Off: Herz vs. Mikolas

DJ Herz (Nationals): The rookie left-hander DJ Herz is set to start for the Nationals. With a 4.95 ERA, Herz struggled in his last outing against the San Diego Padres but is eager to bounce back. In a previous matchup against the Cardinals, he allowed five runs over 4 1/3 innings, highlighting the challenge he faces.

Miles Mikolas (Cardinals): Mikolas, sporting a 5.02 ERA, will take the mound for the Cardinals. He’s coming off a solid performance against the Atlanta Braves, where he limited them to two runs over six innings. Mikolas has had success against the Nationals, with a 3.28 ERA in nine appearances.

Cardinals’ Recent Downturn

The Cardinals are in a slump, losing nine of their last 14 games and conceding 24 runs in the first two games of the series against the Nationals. Manager Oliver Marmol acknowledged the team’s struggles, commenting,

Trade Moves and Team Strategy

The Nationals have been active in the trade market, recently sending outfielder Jesse Winker to the New York Mets. This move suggests strategic adjustments as they reconfigure their roster for the remainder of the season.

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What’s at Stake in the Series Finale

As the Nationals aim for a series sweep and the Cardinals look to regain their momentum, the final game is crucial for both teams. The outcome could set the tone for the coming weeks, with key performances potentially shaping each team’s strategies moving forward. Both teams are eager to close out the series on a positive note, making for an exciting matchup.