Piscotty, Cardinals kick off series vs. Dodgers
Last night, the Cardinals pivoted from scared to ecstatic in the blink of an eye.
Left fielder Matt Holliday’s sixth-inning blow to the face sent shock waves through Busch Stadium during the team’s finale with the Padres. Then shortstop Aledmys Diaz’ game-winning single in the ninth nearly created a full-on earthquake in the Gateway City, guaranteeing the host squad a much-needed four-game sweep.
Mike Matheny’s group hopes to keep the momentum going this evening. The Dodgers arrive in town for an 8:15 p.m. opener that intrigues oddsmakers. At present, online sports book BetDSI leans toward the visitors. St. Louis, on the other hand, enters as a +104 underdog. The over/under run figure comes in at eight.
Holliday, who suffered a bloody nose on an errant offering from San Diego’s Andrew Cashner, probably won’t factor into the action. Stephen Piscotty, however, most certainly will. The second-year sensation jacked a three-run homer yesterday, giving him 14 for the season to accompany a .297 batting average and 56 RBIs. Piscotty draws Brandon McCarthy (2-0, 1.69 ERA) in a matter of hours.
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Another talented righty, Michael Wacha (5-7, 4.55), strides to the hill for the Redbirds. The Lone Star State native labored through four-plus innings over the weekend, though, yielding seven hits and three runs to the Marlins. He is 1-2 with a 3.38 ERA in three career appearances vs. Los Angeles, including an 8-4 defeat on May 13.
The Dodgers own the senior circuit’s first wild-card spot. Yet, the Cards lurk within a game of Miami for that second berth. The difference here: McCarthy’s still building up his endurance after an extended absence to begin the campaign. Provided that St. Louis can gain access to Dave Roberts’ relievers early, look for it to improve to 25-28 at home.
FRIDAY MLB FREE PICK: CARDINALS +1.5