Tarik Skubal takes the mound for Los Angeles tonight; we're riding with him as part of my Dodgers vs. Cardinals prediction.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are once again massive 73-cent favorites at Polymarket, so we'll stick to the run line tonight.
Let’s dive into my MLB picks for Thursday, Sept. 3.
Who will win Cardinals vs Dodgers tonight: Dodgers -1.5 (56%)
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
Our win probability is elevated here due to the Tarik Skubal effect, but we're not going to go against the grain after the Los Angeles Dodgers watched two three-run leads slip away last night. They have a plus-matchup against the No. 8 prospect for the St. Louis Cardinals, Quinn Matthews, too.
The Dodgers own a .745 OPS against lefties this season, and shouldn't have an issue pulling away with Skubal on the mound. They'll get their licks back tonight.
I'd play this to 59 cents.
Looking for Thursday MLB expert picks for the entire slate today? The Covers team has you covered.
COVERS INTEL: Look for Skubal to have his way with the Cardinals tonight, owning a 37% K rate and 36% whiff rate in this spot. If he stays away from Jordan Walker (.920 OPS vs. lefties) we'll be fine.
Cardinals vs Dodgers Over/Under pick: Under 7.5 runs (49%)
We're seeing a couple of the best Under teams in baseball this year, both hitting at a 54% clip, and with Skubal on the mound, runs for the Cardinals will be few and far between. The Dodgers ace owns a 7.6 barrel percentage, one of the lowest marks of his career, so I'm expecting some weak contact tonight.
While I believe the Dodgers will get to Matthews, his 3.32 xERA suggests he's been unlucky this year. Let's see a pitcher's duel.
I'd play this to 53 cents.
Cardinals vs Dodgers home run prediction: Teoscar Hernandez (21%)
Hernandez has been eating against lefties this season, owning a .822 OPS and hitting five of his 12 homers off southpaws. He's seeing the ball great right now, too, with six hits in his last three games. Although he missed all of June, Hernandez has lost some of his power this year, but he's in a great spot tonight against a young lefty. At this price, you almost have to hit the button.
Let's watch Teoscar go yard tonight.
- ML/RL bets: 8-10, -1.00 units
- Over/Under bets: 8-9, -1.32 units
Cardinals vs Dodgers weather
It's a perfect night for baseball in Los Angeles, with sunny skies and temperatures sitting at 77 degrees Fahrenheit prior to first pitch.
Cardinals vs Dodgers odds
- Moneyline: Cardinals 28% | Dodgers 73%
- Run line: Cardinals 45% | Dodgers 56%
- Over/Under: Over 7.5 52% | Under 49%
Cardinals vs Dodgers trend
The Under is 7-0 in the Dodgers' last seven during game three of a series. Find more MLB betting trends for Cardinals vs. Dodgers.
How to watch Cardinals vs Dodgers and game info
| Location | Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date | Thursday, September 3, 2026 |
| First pitch | 10:10 p.m. ET |
| TV | Cardinals.TV, SportsNet LA |
| Cardinals starting pitcher | Quinn Matthews (1-2, 5.03 ERA) |
| Dodgers starting pitcher | Tarik Skubal (8-7, 2.84 ERA) |
Cardinals vs Dodgers latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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