Cardinals covet quick sweep of Astros
Randal Grichuk spent the first four-plus months of the season searching for answers. If the past few games are any indication, the Cardinals’ regular center fielder is on the verge of an epiphany.
Banging a pair of crucial extra-base hits, the 25-year-old helped the visitors post an 8-5 victory over the Astros in last night’s series opener. The two squads have a quick turnaround this afternoon, with a 2:10 p.m. ET first pitch at Minute Maid Park. Oddsmakers at online sports book BetDSI list Houston as a 1.5-run favorite. St. Louis, on the other hand, represents a -108 underdog.
With longtime lineup linchpin Matt Holliday now on the shelf (broken finger), Grichuk’s power could be essential down the stretch. The 24th overall pick in the 2009 amateur draft batted only .216 with 12 homers and 35 RBIs through his first 84 contests. Yet, he boasts six base knocks, two dingers and six ribbies since Aug. 11.
Doug Fister assumes the task of neutralizing the slugger shortly. He topped the Cards on June 14, 5-2, permitting two runs on five hits and one walk with six punchouts over 7 1/3 innings. Most recently, though, the veteran hurler served up five runs to the last-place Twins.
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Mike Matheny counters with Carlos Martinez, who will draw his first career appearance vs. the Stros. In 10 lifetime interleague clashes, however, the righty holds a 1.43 ERA. Martinez is aiming to rebound from back-to-back subpar showings against the Reds and Cubs.
A.J. Hinch’s club routinely runs roughshod over National League foes. Yesterday’s meltdown, though, certainly gives pause entering the matinee in question. Look for another offense-driven affair that should favor the road squad.
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