The Cardinals come off a successful five-and-two road trip and start a six-game homestand just before the All-Star break. Cardinals have won 12 of their last 17 games. After sinking to 15-24 with the seven game losing streak in May the Cardinals have gone 33-18 and are six games above .500. The Royals are on a free fall and just lost three of four, including two of three to the Rockies. Alec Marsh has lost three of his last four and in three losses he gave up 15 runs. Cardinals to win.

The Cards are simply better than their Show Me State rivals right now as neither looks like the club it was even a month ago -- good for St. Louis and bad for Kansas City. Appears all the regulars are in for STL in Game 1 to face Royals righty Alec Marsh, who is 2-4 with a 5.21 ERA on the road. He has pretty much struggled everywhere since the start of June. A couple of Royals regulars are sitting Game 1.

Kansas City’s Alec Marsh has struggled at times this season, particularly over his last four starts as he's been roughed up by the likes of Tampa Bay and Oakland. He faces a Cardinals lineup that appears to be heating up and is carrying some serious momentum into the All-Star break. I'm not in love with St. Louis’ Andre Pallante, but he's shown some solid form in four of his last five starts. Add in the better bullpen, and you've got solid value on the Cardinals.