Cards ask Wacha to sustain momentum vs. Fish
Following Friday’s erratic showing to commence the second half of the season, St. Louis fans probably had no idea what to expect entering last night’s follow-up vs. Miami. On an evening dedicated to the past, however, the Cardinals’ current core stepped up in a major way.
Ace Adam Wainwright twirled the 10th complete game of his career, leading the Redbirds to a 5-0 triumph. The performance befitted the setting, as members of the Cards’ World Series-winning group of 2006 watched their old teammate turn in a vintage gem on the hill. Another key cast member from that collection of a decade ago, Yadier Molina, caught Wainwright’s effort and chipped in with a second-inning single.
Everything aligned to give St. Louis an opportunity to secure the rubber match in a few hours. Oddsmakers at online sports book Bovada.lv like the host squad to accomplish precisely that. The Marlins, on the other hand, represent +135 underdogs.
Mike Matheny will turn to Michael Wacha, whose most recent start was cut short after a comebacker nailed the righty in his right heel. Subsequent tests revealed no substantive damage, though, so Wacha aims to build on an impressive summer so far. The Texas A&M’s last setback occurred on June 17.
Adam Conley, coming off a 4-2 victory July 9 over the Reds, strides to the hill for the Fish. The promising lefty ranks among the top 25 in the National League with 94 strikeouts, but walks continue to serve as a major hindrance. Conley has issued 40 free passes through 99 1/3 frames, pushing that WHIP to 1.30.
MLB Quick Links: Scores & Matchups | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Betting Trends | ATS Stats
Manager Don Mattingly needs the Washington State product to work deep into the finale. After all, Miami currently shares the second NL wild card with the Mets. Nonetheless, look for the Redbirds to stay on a high for at least one additional afternoon.
SUNDAY MLB FREE PICK: CARDINALS -1.5