Kevin Gausman's recent performance and history against the St. Louis Cardinals suggest that taking the over on his 5.5 pitching strikeouts is a smart play for bettors.

As the MLB season heats up, savvy bettors are looking for edges in the numbers, and one intriguing opportunity lies in Kevin Gausman's upcoming matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals. With a line of 5.5 pitching strikeouts, there's a compelling case to be made for betting the over based on Gausman's recent performance and history. Let's break it down.

Throughout last season, Gausman has averaged 6.62 strikeouts per game, demonstrating his ability to consistently rack up K's. The stats become even more promising when we look at his home and away splits. While Gausman has averaged 6.0 strikeouts at home, he's been even more dominant on the road, averaging 7.33 strikeouts per game, which bodes well for this matchup taking place in St. Louis.

When it comes to covering the over on 5.5 strikeouts, Gausman has been reliable, achieving this in 21 of his 32 games this season. That's a solid 65.6% success rate for bettors who've backed the over on this line. 

Over the last 20 games last season, Gausman has averaged 6.75 strikeouts, with 15 of these games seeing him surpass the 5.5-mark. Narrowing the focus to the last 10 games, he's averaged an impressive 7.0 strikeouts, covering the over in 9 of these games. Although his average dips slightly to 6.6 strikeouts in the last 5 games, Gausman still managed to cover the over in 4 of these contests.

While recent form is an essential factor to consider, it's also crucial to examine Gausman's performance against the specific opponent he's facing. In this case, he's had two previous outings against the St. Louis Cardinals, averaging 7.0 strikeouts per game. This stat is particularly noteworthy, as it demonstrates Gausman's ability to handle this particular lineup effectively.

Given this data, it's evident that Gausman has been trending upwards in the strikeout department, particularly on the road and against the Cardinals. While no bet is ever a surefire lock, the numbers suggest that taking the over on Gausman's 5.5 strikeouts is a well-informed play for bettors looking to capitalize on this matchup.

So, as you prepare to place your bets on this exciting MLB showdown between the St. Louis Cardinals and Toronto Blue Jays, consider the compelling case for taking the over on Kevin Gausman's 5.5 pitching strikeouts. With his recent performance, road success, and history against the Cardinals, there's a strong likelihood that Gausman will deliver the goods and help bettors cash in on this enticing wager. Happy betting, and may the K's be ever in your favor!