Cards’ Reyes draws first MLB start vs. A’s
Mike Leake was originally supposed to take the ball in the middle contest of the Cardinals’ set vs. the A’s. A surprising overnight development, though, has whipped St. Louis fans into a tizzy.
With Leake falling victim to shingles, much-ballyhooed righty Alex Reyes will step into the spotlight this evening. Online sports book Bovada.lv gives the host Redbirds odds of -200 to prevail. Oakland, on the other hand, enters Busch Stadium as a +170 underdog. The over/under run total rests at 8.5.
Regarded as perhaps the most exciting young flamethrower in the sport, Reyes’ first MLB start comes in an interleague setting. He’s allowed no runs and just five hits in 9 1/3 innings of relief work, striking out 13. The New Jersey native routinely reaches 100 mph on the radar gun.
Considering the Athletics’ (55-73) inability to catch up to Luke Weaver in the series opener, that velocity could serve as a death knell in several hours. Among manager Bob Melvin’s regulars, only Danny Valencia boasts a batting average north of .265. Former standouts such as Stephen Vogt (.260) and Coco Crisp (.237) continue to labor.
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The Cardinals (68-59) remain 1 ½ games ahead of Miami for the NL’s second wild-card spot, and their powerful offense should experience great success against the soft-tossing Zach Neal here. Like everybody else, however, we’re tuning in for the top story. Look for Reyes to blow away the hapless A’s.
SATURDAY MLB FREE PICK: CARDINALS -1.5