Friday, August 29, 2014

Busch Stadium in St. Louis

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In the National League, one of the greatest rivalries of all time has involved the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals. These two Central division rivals will renew their long-storing history together at Busch Stadium this weekend. The second-place Cardinals will turn to right-hander Shelby Miller (8-9) for the start, while the last-place Cubs will turn to right-hander Kyle Hendricks (5-1).

Hendricks, the 24-year-old rookie has pitched exceptionally well for the Cubs since his July call-up to the Majors. In 50.2 innings, he has allowed just 10 earned runs on 40 hits with 31 strikeouts and 11 walks. In August, he has been phenomenal, going 4-0 with a 1.44 ERA in 31.2 innings. He has allowed just 1 home run this month and 5 earned runs in total. He has made 1 start thus far against the Cardinals, and received the only loss on his record in that game. He allowed just 1 earned run in that loss and will hope for some run support in this game.

For the Cardinals, Miller has underachieved compared to what they expect from him. In April, he started out hot, but has quickly faded throughout the season. In 4 August starts, he has allowed 13 earned runs in 24 innings with 17 strikeouts and 11 walks. He has gone just 0-1 this month, and has had just 1 solid start. The Cardinals will hope to get him runs early on to relieve the stress and will look to Matt Carpenter, Matt Adams, and Matt Holliday to make that happen.

Chicago Cubs Betting Trends

Chicago Cubs are 63-61-7 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Chicago Cubs is -0.3

St Louis Cardinals Betting Trends

St Louis Cardinals are 59-66-6 against the Over/Under

Run differential for St Louis Cardinals is -0.1

Injuries to Watch

Chicago Cubs

08/27/14 RF Ryan Sweeney Hamstring questionable
08/26/14 1B Anthony Rizzo Back left last game, questionable
08/25/14 CF Justin Ruggiano Ankle questionable
08/21/14 P Edwin Jackson Shoulder 15-day DL (8/21)
08/10/14 P Brian Schlitter Shoulder 15-day DL (8/9)
07/31/14 P Felix Doubront Calf 15-day DL (7/31)
03/31/14 P James McDonald Shoulder 60-day DL (2/23)

St Louis Cardinals

08/26/14 RF Shane Robinson Shoulder 15-day DL (8/25)
08/19/14 2B Mark Ellis Oblique 15-day DL (8/15)
08/08/14 P Jason Motte Back 15-day DL (8/1)
07/10/14 C Yadier Molina Thumb 15-day DL (7/9)
07/06/14 P Jaime Garcia Shoulder 60-day DL (6/24), out for season
06/23/14 P Michael Wacha Shoulder 60-day DL (6/21)
05/13/14 P Tyler Lyons Shoulder 15-day DL (5/12)

Tony's Pick: Take St. Louis

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