Thursday’s MLB Over/Under: Kershaw, Gomber Kick Off Huge Series in St. Louis

Betting odds: Los Angeles Dodgers at St. Louis Cardinals

• Over/Under: 7.5
• First Pitch: 7:15 p.m. ET
• Probable Pitchers: Clayton Kershaw (7-5, 2.42 ERA) vs. Austin Gomber (5-0, 2.93 ERA)
  

  ---

Zylbert's 2018 MLB Over/Under Betting Record: 94-63-4, +24.45 units

Yesterday's Result: Nationals-Phillies Under 7.5, Strasburg vs. Nola (WIN)

*Each bet graded as if it were to win 1 unit

Two lefties will start a critical four-game set in St. Louis tonight with plenty of playoff implications for two clubs doing all they can to secure a postseason berth in the extremely tight National League.

As far as the series opener goes, there's one key item above all else that has made this over/under worth having action on: Kershaw is about to make an important start for his Dodgers while in a clear rhythm.

When Kershaw is on his game, he's still the best going in all of baseball. Right now, that appears to be the case as the former NL MVP and Cy Young winner has given up no more than two earned runs in each of his last nine outings — with all nine clocking in as quality starts.

He's also starting to punch out batters closer to his norm, racking up at least seven strikeouts in four of his last five starts. Remember, he missed most of May and June but now looks like he's finally getting back to full strength, which explains his consistent work lately.

The other southpaw in this encounter, Gomber, might be nowhere near Kershaw's level but, the rookie has still done an outstanding job this season cementing his spot on the Cardinals pitching staff.

The 24-year-old began the year in the bullpen but has done nothing but dazzle in his time as a starter for the Redbirds. He's 4-0 in eight starts with a 2.78 ERA and is averaging 7.7 strikeout per 9 innings.

Gomber has been consistent, too, not allowing more than four runs in any of his outings — and only once did he surrender that many. In addition, he's yielded only two homers as a starter in 45.1 innings.

The Dodgers rank 24th in team batting average (.234) versus left-handers, and considering they also strike out once every 3.83 at-bats against them, this tendency could aid Gomber in navigating through a tough offense without too much damage taken. Kershaw can take care of the rest.

Play: UNDER 7.5 (-105)