"The Coach's" Opening Day Top Play
(MLB) St. Louis vs. Chi Cubs,
Money Line: -108.00 St. Louis (Away)
Result: Win
The St. Louis Cardinals will take on the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field Sunday night in the first game of the 2015 MLB season. The Cubs are expecting big things this season, but we didn't see any evidence that they will be a contender this spring, as they finished with a record of 15-17 in the Cactus League. While the Cubs remain a mystery, we know what to expect from Adam Wainwright and the Cardinals, and I like the price we get to back the visitors tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Jon Lester only pitched 8.1 innings in three pre-season games, going 0-1 with a 6.48 ERA. Coming over from the American League, the Cardinals lineup hasn't seen a lot of him, but the handful of hitters who have faced him in the past have hit him pretty well. Adam Wainwright had himself a reasonable spring, compiling a 3.14 ERA in 14.1 innings pitched.

2. Previous History - The Cardinals have won seven of their last eight versus the Cubs when Wainwright starts, and 10 of their last 13 versus a left-handed starter.

3. X-Factor - Wainwright was 2-1 with a 2.84 ERA in three starts at Wrigley last year.

Selection: This is a play on the St. Louis Cardinals(8*)