In the jam-packed NL Central, every game matters going forward. That’s especially true going into Wednesday’s matinee in Milwaukee. The Cardinals (29-24) have been an early season surprise, surging to second in the division. As for the Brewers (32-20), today’s contest presents an opportunity to earn a series sweep over St. Louis. Which of these rivals will pick up a victory this afternoon?

The Brewers are favorites (-149) over the Cardinals, with the over/under set at 8.5 runs. Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Wednesday’s showdown between St. Louis and Milwaukee on DraftKings Sportsbook.

Cardinals vs. Brewers prediction, preview

It’ll be Dustin May on the mound for the Cardinals. Once a key piece for the Dodgers, the last few seasons haven’t been great for the right-hander. At this point, the former top prospect is a middling arm in St. Louis’ rotation. Through 54.0 innings of work, he’s posted a 5.00 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 42 strikeouts (7.0 K/9). With that being said, May’s numbers have been dragged down by a rough first few weeks. In seven of his last eight appearances, the veteran has given up three earned runs or less.

The Brewers have been a force at the plate, averaging 5.17 runs per game at home. That’s the fourth-highest mark in the league this season. Keep in mind, they’ve been without key hitters Christian Yelich (130 wRC+) and Jackson Chourio (108 wRC+) for most of the season. Still, if there’s one thing May does particularly well, it’s bringing the heat. His average fastball velocity this season is 96.8 MPH, within the top 84th percentile among qualified pitchers. Against pitches of 95 MPH or faster, the Brewers have a .204 expected batting average, .296 wOBA and .317 slugging percentage.

Entering this series, Logan Henderson was expected to take the mound on Wednesday. Unfortunately, the right-hander was placed on the injured list this week due to a lower back strain. In his absence, the Brewers will turn to their relievers, among the best in baseball. Milwaukee’s bullpen has recorded a 3.34 ERA, eighth-lowest in the majors. Manager Pat Murphy will be able to throw several different looks at the Cardinals in this one. It helps that he’ll have just about everyone at his disposal today. The Brewers have only used four relievers in total during the first two games of this series.

A strong start for St. Louis has hit a speed bump; the team has dropped five of its last six games. During that stretch, the Cardinals have scored two runs or fewer four different times. This lineup has been top-heavy; just four regulars have a wRC+ above 100 this season. With that being said, the Redbirds do have a few standouts worth mentioning. 23-year-old Jordan Walker is finally living up to his potential. Through 52 games, the outfielder is slashing .296/.365/.578 with 15 home runs, 42 RBIs and seven stolen bases. Ivan Herrera (134 wRC+), Alec Burleson (130 wRC+) and rookie JJ Wetherholt (117 wRC+) have also impressed.

Cardinals vs. Brewers pick, best bet

St. Louis has struggled mightily at the plate this week, scoring one combined run in this series. Although the Brewers have had more hitting success, there’s cause for concern there too. May’s recent success, combined with a blazing fastball, might make things tough on Milwaukee. Don’t be shocked if both offenses fail to make much of an impact on Wednesday.

Best Bet: Cardinals vs. Brewers under 8.5 total runs (-118)