Cubs’ Lackey, Heyward return to Busch tonight
Not that long ago, Jason Heyward and John Lackey thrilled the Busch Stadium faithful as linchpins of the Cardinals’ run to a division title. Tonight, the two players will likely receive a smattering of boos from that same crowd.
Heyward and Lackey’s new club, the Central Division-leading Cubs, visit the Gateway City at 8:15 p.m. ET in the opener of a three-game series. Oddsmakers at online sports book BetDSI like the host squad to gain the upper hand, listing St. Louis as a 1.5-run favorite. The over/under figure rests at eight runs.
After helping the Redbirds reach the 100-win mark in 2015, the aforementioned duo joined forces with Chicago. Heyward particularly frustrated some members of his old fan base during December’s introductory press conference, pointing to the Cards’ older core. Team brass repeatedly pooh-poohed the right fielder’s remarks, though, instead preferring to focus on how to combat the franchise that just reached the NLCS for the first time since 2003.
Both squads are exhibiting exemplary tunnel vision so far this year. Despite dropping a weekend set to Colorado, the Cubs own a 9-3 record. They’ve been even better away from Wrigley Field, going an NL-best 5-1. The strong start has actually shadowed the relative individual struggles of Heyward (.205 average in 44 at-bats) and Lackey (2-0, 5.68).
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As for the Cardinals, yesterday’s 4-3 triumph over Cincinnati gave Mike Matheny’s club sole possession of second place. The Cards have plated an MLB-high 85 runs, with surprise rookie Jeremy Hazelbaker (.394, three homers) and Matt Carpenter (11 RBIs) leading the way. Starter Mike Leake would welcome more of the same fireworks in several hours. General manager John Mozeliak’s big offseason addition labored through his first two assignments, surrendering a total of eight runs.
But while each group boasts heavy hitters, tonight’s contest could be light on scoring. Lackey and Leake possess crafty repertoires that will surface sooner rather than later. Lock it in for the first of 19 tight tilts between fierce rivals.
MONDAY MLB FREE PICK: CUBS/CARDINALS UNDER 8 RUNS
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