What's at stake

Which team wins — the Los Angeles Dodgers or the St. Louis Cardinals — and whether the final score crosses set run thresholds or run-spread margins.

Moneyline outcomes pay on a straight win; totals questions resolve against 9.5, 10.5, and 11.5 runs. Spread outcomes require the winning margin to exceed the listed -1.5, -2.5, or -4.5 thresholds.

Who's in play

Starting pitchers and the first several innings of each club's rotation typically control scoreboard tempo.

Dodgers hitters, Cardinals lineup depth, managers' bullpen choices, and key relievers' availability will determine the moneyline, total-run outcomes, and whether spreads cover.

What drives it

Weather, wind direction, and the ballpark's hitter-friendliness change run expectation by a run or two.

Probable starters' recent form, bullpen fatigue, lineup injuries, handedness matchups, and late-game managerial decisions are the main levers that move totals and margins.

What to watch

Probable pitchers and official lineups released before game time are primary signals; look for last-minute bullpen scratches.

Also monitor the weather report, inning-by-inning bullpen usage, late scratches, and any travel or fatigue notes; these influence live totals and spread settlement through the final out.