Cardinals vs. Cubs prediction and odds for Friday, July 21 (Back Defense in Afternoon Showdown)

The St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs are locked into a four-game NL Central series.

The baseball world will have its eyes locked on Friday's matinee matchup, with it set to be the only afternoon game on the day.

Justin Steele (2.96 ERA) will continue his stong season when he matches up with Jack Flaherty (4.29 ERA) of the Cardinals.

Let's dive into the odds for the game and then I'll give you my best bet.

I expect this game to be a pitchers duel. Justin Steele may have stumbled in his last two games, but now he gets to return home where he's largely been hot all season long.

Meanwhile, jack Flaherty has been quietly dominant recently. He has a stunning 1.45 ERA in three starts this month, and will now be making his first start of the season against the Cubs. It's also worth noting the Cubs are just 17th in OPS agianst right-handed pitchers this season.

Both bullpens rank inside the top half of the majors in ERA this season, and the Cubs bullpen specifically has been great over the past 30 days. The Cardinals are seventh in bullpen ERA on the year while Chicago comes in at seventh over the past month of action.

I expect this to be a defensive battle tonight. I'll back the UNDER.

PICK: UNDER 8.5

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change