Dodgers vs. Cardinals prediction and odds for Friday, May 19 (Back Tony Gonsolin)

Both the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers are hoping to contend for a World Series title this season, but the Cardinals have gotten off to a slow start in 2023. 

The team sits in last place in the National League Central division, and that’s despite winning eight of its last 10 games. 

The Cards are looking to stay hot against the NL West-leading Dodgers on Friday night.

Steven Matz (0-4, 5.62 ERA) gets the ball for St. Louis against the Dodgers’ Tony Gonsolin (1-1, 1.42 ERA). 

How should bettors approach this matchup with the Cards heating up? Here’s a breakdown of the odds and my best bet for Friday’s contest: 

The Cardinals have been hot on offense as of late, ranking No. 1 in MLB in OPS over the last 15 days, but I can’t trust Matz to beat this Dodgers team. 

Los Angeles has scored the most runs of any team in the National League, so it should jump all over Matz, who has allowed three or more runs in five of his eight starts this season.

The Cardinals are just 2-6 in the lefty’s eight outings this season. 

Meanwhile, Gonsolin has pitched well since coming off the injured list, allowing just three earned runs across 19.0 innings (four starts). 

His Fielding Independent Pitching (4.09) is well above his ERA, but he’s still the better starter in this matchup. Gonsolin is also starting to limit walks after issuing five free passes in his first two starts of the season. 

He has walked just one batter and given up five hits in his last 11 innings. 

The Dodgers are a solid value as slight favorites against a struggling starter like Matz. 

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.