Can Harper step up in Nats-Cards opener?
St. Louis made a sizable investment in Mike Leake during the offseason. After a brutal start to the 2016 campaign, the righty is suddenly paying major dividends.
The Cardinals hope for a fourth straight quality turn by the hurler as they open a four-game set in the nation’s capital. Oddsmakers at online sports book BetDSI like Washington, though, as a 1.5-run favorite. Mike Matheny’s bunch enters tonight’s 7:05 p.m. ET matchup as a +125 underdog.
Leake’s (3-3, 4.07 ERA) recent surge has become vital given the increasingly fragile state of the Redbirds’ rotation. He’s won three consecutive outings, posting a 0.86 ERA in the process. Two of those performances came on the road, including last weekend’s seven-inning gem vs. Arizona.
In a few hours, Leake will attempt to extend Bryce Harper’s misery. The reigning National League MVP carries a .174 average since May 1. Manager Dusty Baker didn’t even play him in right field in yesterday’s 2-0 loss to the Mets. Virtually everyone else in the Nationals’ lineup continues to struggle, too, as evidenced by the fact that they’ve plated two runs or fewer in three of five.
MLB Quick Links: Free Matchup Reports | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Scoreboard | Betting Trends
At least Joe Ross (3-4, 2.70) offers a stabilizing presence on the mound. Washington’s 23-year-old fireballer stifled the Cards on April 30, allowing one run across six frames. He’ll probably need a similar effort here, even though we find it difficult to bet against Leake and that sublime sinker at present.
THURSDAY MLB FREE PICK: CARDINALS +1.5
Want More Picks, Predictions & Odds From The Spread.com? Follow on Twitter and Facebook or Subscribe to Our News Feeds!