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Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Understanding Public and Money
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Expert Picks
The All-Star break couldn't have come at a worse time for the Cubs as they've built a 2.5 game lead in the NL Central due to winning 12 of their last 15 games. The Cardinals come in having lost four of their last six and the last time Carlos Martinez faced the Cubs on June 16, they chased him after five wild innings where he walked six batters. Since coming back from the disabled list, the Cards are 3-5 behind him. Despite Kyle Hendricks being overpriced by 8 cents, I'm still willing to lay it with the hot team. Cubs are the play.
The Redbirds got off to a good start under interim manager Mike Shildt, who's auditioning for the permanent gig. They beat Cincy 6-4 to snap a three-game skid before the All-Star Break. Now they open a five-game series at Wrigley against the surging Cubs, who have won 12 of 15. At +142, I'll take the value on St. Louis behind Carlos Martinez. Here are his road numbers: .217 batting average allowed, 44 Ks in 40.1 innings. Look for a totally different Cardinals team post-All Star Break. Shildt is the right man for the job and these Redbirds will go all-out to prove that.