Erik Fedde will make the start agains John Gant and there starters could not have had more opposite performances. Fedde allowed 5 runs on 1.2 IP against the Braves, and the Nats have lost five straight games including getting shutout in three of those. They are still without key players like Josh Bell and Kyle Schwarber and they face a Cardinals team that plays significantly better at home. Take the value on the Cards at home.

Some sites are listing Stephen Strasburg as the Nats' starter here, but that is not the case -- it's Erick Feede. Quite a difference. He's only in the rotation because Jon Lester remains in COVID protocols. Feede allowed five runs over 1 2/3 innings last Wednesday against the Braves. Washington remains without first baseman Josh Bell, second baseman Josh Harrison and left fielder Kyle Schwarber on the COVID list, and the team's offense is really struggling without them. The Cards' John Gant allowed one unearned run in four innings against the Marlins last Tuesday. St. Louis has won five straight series openers.

The depleted Nats have lost five straight and have been shut out in three of their last four games. Nolan Arenado and the Cardinals should jump on Nats starter Erick Fedde, who gave up nine baserunners in less than two innings in his first start. Look for St. Louis to win its sixth straight series opener dating to last season (3-0 this year).