While the Cardinals have dominated the Pirates the last couple of years, this is one of those spots where I like to take a flyer on an underdog. Dakota Hudson starts for the Cards, and he's a guy who pitches to contact. That's usually fine as long as you don't walk many batters, but Hudson has a walk rate of 10.9% in the last two seasons, which isn't great. Furthermore, Pirates hitters have done pretty well against him. Also, the Pirates have done well as home dogs against the NL Central this season, going 6-6.

On Thursday, the Pittsburgh Pirates return home after an ugly road trip that featured seven straight losses. In their prior home stand, the Pirates won key underdog games against the White Sox, Reds and Cubs. Yet, look for St. Louis to override team fatigue and give the Pirates their ninth straight loss.

Dakota Hudson is 3-2 with a 2.92 ERA this season and he has thrown a quality start in three of his last four outings. Steven Brault is 0-3 with a 5.06 ERA this season and he has lost each of his last two decisions giving up seven runs in 8.2 IP. They have a smaller sample size, but the Cards have the sixth best OPS in the league against lefties at .805.