Redbirds’ Martinez takes mound vs. Brewers
The Cardinals didn’t do a lot right during their just-completed homestand. A trip to the Badger State, however, could be the perfect tonic for the defending NL Central champions.
Mike Matheny’s crew kicks off a set against the Brewers tonight, with a 7:20 p.m. ET first pitch at Miller Park. Online sports book Bovada.lv gives St. Louis odds of -144 to prevail, whereas Milwaukee represents a +134 underdog. The over/under run total holds steady at eight.
Over the weekend, the Redbirds dropped two of three to Oakland. Yet they’re always eager to travel to the 414. Since the beginning of 2012, the Cards have won 57 of 84 meetings with the Brew Crew.
As an added bonus, the visitors will send a burgeoning ace to the hill in a short while. Carlos Martinez (12-7, 3.13 ERA) has allowed only two runs over 15 innings in his last two outings. The righty owns a 3-1 record with a 1.02 WHIP in 17 career appearances vs. Milwaukee.
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Craig Counsell answers with Zach Davies (10-6, 4.06), he of the 12 quality starts. The Arizona native is 2-2 with a 5.86 ERA so far this month. Most recently, he limited the Rockies to one run and five hits across six frames.
St. Louis sits a mere half-game ahead of Pittsburgh for the senior circuit’s second wild-card spot. It’s absolutely imperative to jump on the Brew Crew immediately, and Matheny recognizes as much. Look for the bats to rocket a couple of deep drives off Davies, with Martinez taking care of the rest.
MONDAY MLB FREE PICK: CARDINALS/BREWERS OVER 8 RUNS