Games between these two teams have often been tight, which presents potential value worth exploring in the MLB odds offered by Sportsbet.

Quick Picks

Our pick: Cardinals to win

Value bet: May to have under 4.5 strikeouts

Long shot: Abreu to hit a home run

Betting Preview

The teams have a near-even all-time record of 28-24 in favour of the Red Sox (53.8% win rate), including 14-14 in regular-season play. Boston currently holds a 4-game head-to-head winning streak, including a 2025 sweep (3-0).

They've met four times in the World Series (1946, 1967, 2004, 2013), splitting series wins 2-2. Notable games include Boston's 2004 sweep to end the Curse of the Bambino.

Looking at more recent data, there's no suggestion that one team might be better off going into this series than the other, either.

The Boston Red Sox are 3-8 (ahead of their final game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday). They are 2-3 when playing as the hosts this regular season, with their poorest performances having come on the road so far. Over their last 10, they are 2-8.

The St Louis Cardinals still have a game against the Washington Nationals to play (Thursday, on the road) before heading into their contest with the Red Sox. So far, they've been inconsistent, as they've carved a record of near .500 over their games this MLB regular season so far.

They are 5-5 over their last 10 before that third game against the Nationals, and are 4-2 when hosting games.

Betting Markets to Watch

The Boston Red Sox may be the poorer team heading into this game, but they may be considered the slight favourites to win.

However, the Cardinals as underdogs offer value worth exploring if this is the case. Their 5-5 record and 4-2 home mark contrast with Boston's poor 2-8 start, 1-5 road woes, and four-game skid.

In the player props, the home run and strikeout markets could offer value for specific players on each team in Game 1.

Dustin May could be one of those in the pitching markets, as he opens for the Cardinals. There may be value in him having 2+ strikeouts, as this game looks favourable for his style, with Boston slumping. Still, it's worth considering this total to be under 4.5, as he hasn't been at his best and his numbers are all over the place.

Wilyer Abreu could offer value to hit a home run in this game, as the Red Sox slugger has already hit 3 in 10 games so far. Nolan Gorman for the Cardinals is another, as he has two this season.

Our Prediction

Check the latest baseball betting at Sportsbet.

Our prediction is that we think the Cardinals will likely be the winners, with this potentially offering value if they enter the game as perceived underdogs.