Will Pirates secure sweep of Cardinals?
In order to avoid a season-opening sweep at the hands of the Pirates, the Cardinals need an exemplary performance from their newest starting hurler.
Unfortunately, Mike Leake can’t wave a magic wand over St. Louis’ early woes with runners in scoring position. That malady has translated into an 0-2 record – and temporary underdog status, in the eyes of oddsmakers – for Mike Matheny’s reigning NL Central champs.
Pittsburgh is a 1.5-run favorite to subdue Leake and company in this evening’s series finale at PNC Park. According to online sports book BetDSI, the over/under total rests at 7.5 runs.
Last night, shortstop Jordy Mercer singled home right fielder Gregory Polanco from second in the 11th to give the Buccos a 6-5 victory. Neither team received quality pitching at the outset. Jonathon Niese got knocked around for five runs over five innings while Michael Wacha went four-plus frames for the visitors.
The lead story, however, keeps coming back to the Redbirds’ glaring ineptitude once men reach base. They left 10 runners on in Sunday’s 4-1 loss and are 3 for 22 with RISP overall.
MLB Quick Links: Free Matchup Reports | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Scoreboard | Betting Trends
Leake hopes to at least stabilize matters on the mound. St. Louis’ main offseason acquisition breezed through spring training, fanning 24 over 20 innings. He also owns Starling Marte and Gregory Polanco, holding the Pittsburgh duo to a combined 9 for 52 with 14 strikeouts.
On the opposite side, Juan Nicasio nabs his first start since 2014. He spent all of last year in the bullpen with the Dodgers. Even if Nicasio gives a quality performance, he’s not even close to being sufficiently stretched out. That could put a heavy burden on the Pirates’ bullpen given the extended nature of Tuesday evening’s affair.
WEDNESDAY MLB FREE PICK: CARDINALS +1.5
Want More From TheSpread.com? Follow on Twitter and Facebook or Subscribe to Our News Feeds!
