This article is part of our MLB Picks series.
MLB Best Bets Today: Single Game Picks & Props for Thursday, August 28
We have been THIS CLOSE to nailing one of these games completely. Last week, we were one out away from the player prop hitting, but that's the way it goes in baseball often. Like the players, we just have to keep grinding through the season and capitalizing on the opportunities as they come. Thursday's schedule yields yet another juicy opportunity, and I'm loving everything about it. Let's get after it!
Cash in on the best sportsbook promos available at the best MLB betting sites this baseball season. The BetMGM bonus code gets new players one of the best welcome bonuses in the industry.
MLB Single Game Focus: 
Pittsburgh Pirates @ St. Louis Cardinals 
Pick #1: Pirates ML (+105 @ BetMGM)
As seems to be the case every season, August comes, the Buccos are eleventy billion games out of contention, and they start to play some good baseball. Pittsburgh is 7-3 in their last 10 and have outscored opponents by 21 in that stretch. Meanwhile, in St. Louis, interest in the Cardinals is at an all-time low, as the product on the field simply isn't very good. The Cards are 4-6 in their last 10 with a staff ERA of 5.07 during that stretch. With young Braxton Ashcraft on the hill, I love the value on the Pirates against Miles Mikolas, who has been dreadful all year.
Check out Caesars Sportsbook this MLB season and use the Caesars Sportsbook promo code for one of the top MLB betting promos.
Pick #2: Pirates/Cardinals OVER 8 (-115 @ BetMGM)
At this point, there is simply no way to justify an under when St. Louis pitching is involved. Prior to last night's 2-1 result, 10 straight Cardinals games had been at or over this total of 8. With that streak broken Wednesday night, I feel even better about Thursday's over. This feels like a 7-3 Pirates victory to me.
Check out Fanatics Sportsbook to bet on MLB odds and use the Fanatics Sportsbook promo for a great welcome offer.
Pick #3: Miles Mikolas OVER 2.5 Earned Runs (+125 @ DraftKings)
This one pretty much writes itself. As said above, Mikolas has been awful all year and has given up three or more earned runs in three of his last four starts. To his credit, the Cardinals keep trotting him out there to eat innings and save their young arms and he dutifully does that, which affords plenty of batting practice for the opposition. The Pirates lineup isn't exactly murderer's row, but their recent form deserves more respect than this. At plus money, this is a no-brainer for me.
Check out on one of the top sports betting apps when you sign up with the bet365 bonus code for your baseball betting.
MLB Picks Recap
- Pirates ML (+105 @ BetMGM)
- Pirates/Cardinals OVER 8 (-115 @ BetMGM)
- Miles Mikolas OVER 2.5 Earned Runs (+125 @ DraftKings)
