Why the Cardinals on Friday at -120...The Cards look to even up up the series against the Phillies after a Thursday loss where they allowed 5 runs combined in the 8th and 9th innings. With a winning record at home, we will back the Cardinals with Michael Wacha on the bump. Wacha has been sharp of late, posting a 2.20 era over his last 16 IP where he allowed 14 hits on 1 HR. In Wacha's most recent start against the Padres, he posted a LD% of 25% (SA 30%) as well as a GB% of 50% (season high) and a hard contact% of 37% (SA 41%). Looking deeper into that start, Wacha threw his cutter at a 30% rate (SA 16%) and saw a slight uptick in velocity with that pitch. With that being said, we will back Wacha against an underexposed Phillies lineup with a combined 56 ABs to go with a .250 BA and 0 HRs. The Phillies will entrust Jake Arrieta with the pearl who is coming off of a quality start against the Mets where he allowed 0 runs through 7 IP on 5 Ks and 2 BBs. Over his last 17 IP, Arrieta has posted a 3.71 era where he allowed 15 hits on 9 Ks and 6 BBs. In Arrieta's last start against the Mets, he saw a bloated LD% of 20% (SA 13%) as well as a hard contact% of 35% (SA 20%). Those numbers don't bode well for Arrieta who brings a career 4.21 era AT Busch Stadium over 36 IP where he allowed 40 hits on 5 HRs. Arrieta is exposed to this Cards lineup with a combined 180 ABs with 5 HRs. Going to back the Cardinals pen in this one, who brings a 2.99 home era compared to the Phillies road era of 3.94.
Play on the Cardinals at -120
Play on the Cardinals at -120
