Cards’ Wainwright to step up vs. Pirates?
The Cardinals’ scuffling offense desperately needs a jolt of energy. That may arrive in the form of this afternoon’s starting pitcher.
Adam Wainwright, who’s perhaps made more contributions at the plate than with his right arm through the first month-plus of the season, draws the assignment against Pittsburgh shortly. Oddsmakers at online sports book BetDSI like host St. Louis to bounce back from last night’s 4-2 loss. The over/under total for the series’ second contest sits at nine runs.
Mike Matheny’s club seemingly cannot solve the Pirates’ pitching staff. After getting swept in a three-game set to open the 2016 campaign, the Redbirds (15-15) mustered a mere seven hits yesterday. Altogether, Pittsburgh has limited them to nine runs, a .179 average and registered 48 strikeouts across 38 innings.
Perhaps the sight of Jeff Locke toeing the rubber will inspire additional confidence. Clint Hurdle’s starter for the 2:15 p.m. ET matinee carries an 0-3 record with a 6.92 ERA in the past three outings at Busch Stadium, so southpaw-smashing threats such as Aledmys Diaz (.417) and Stephen Piscotty (.400) could be in line for huge performances.
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Another individual in need of a big-time effort: Wainwright. Despite racking up six RBIs over the last week, the righty’s results on the mound remain stunningly ordinary. He’s yet to pitch into the seventh inning, fanning just 18 in 33 2/3 frames.
Nonetheless, there’s something about facing the Buccos (16-13) that brings out the best in the Cards’ longtime ace. Wainwright boasts a 5-3 mark with a sub-2.50 ERA in his last 10 starts against the Pirates. With that patented curveball beginning to round into form, we predict a tough go for both lineups.
SATURDAY MLB FREE PICK: PIRATES/CARDINALS UNDER 9 RUNS
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