Will Cardinals’ Garcia neutralize Nationals?
Washington busted out of its offensive malaise with a couple of big blasts in Friday’s series opener vs. St. Louis. How adept, though, is Dusty Baker’s club at manufacturing runs?
We’ll find out as the Nationals and Cardinals battle in a matinee at Busch Stadium. Several hours before the 2:15 p.m. ET first pitch, oddsmakers at online sports book BetDSI list the visitors as 1.5-run underdogs. The over/under figure sits at 7.5 runs.
Using bombs from Michael Taylor and Danny Espinosa, the Nats (15-7) powered their way to a 5-4 win last night. Cards starter Jaime Garcia, however, resists all homer-centric thoughts. The lefty has yet to allow a long ball in 25 innings. He’s also 4-1 with a 2.88 ERA in six turns vs. Washington.
On the opposite side, Joe Ross simply wants to go deep into a contest for the first time in several weeks. After winning his first two outings, the 22-year-old was forced to abort his assignment April 20 because of a blister. He recently completed a successful bullpen session, though, and shouldn’t face any restrictions here.
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Ross did labor through his one previous appearance in the Gateway City. St. Louis (12-11) drew six walks in that lopsided tilt last September, knocking Ross out following 2 2/3 frames. Mike Matheny’s current crew isn’t exhibiting nearly as much patience, having struck out 21 times in two consecutive defeats.
Perhaps Yadier Molina can lead the way this afternoon. The catcher has a 10-game hitting streak and could become the first St. Louis backstop to reach base in 18 straight affairs since Tom Pagnozzi in 1996. Between Molina’s steadiness and first baseman Matt Adams’ career success vs. the Nationals (.383 with six dingers and 14 RBIs in 13 meetings), we’ll bet on the Redbirds to push the NL East leaders again.
SATURDAY MLB FREE PICK: NATIONALS/CARDINALS UNDER 7.5 RUNS
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