The Cardinals took Game 1 of this series in Milwaukee with a two run home run off the bat of Jason Heyward in the 10th inning last night. They lead the Pirates by just three games in the NL Central, and can't afford to leave any points on the table in this series. I like the Cardinals to win Game 2 in a blowout.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - St. Louis will send Jaime Garcia to the mound, and he's owned the Brewers. Garcia (8-5, 2.33 ERA) tossed seven scoreless innings, surrendering just two hits in a win at Miller Park earlier this season. He's 1-1 with a 0.64 ERA in two starts against the Brewers. Milwaukee will counter with Wily Peralta, who is 0-3 with a 4.50 ERA in three starts versus St. Louis.

2. Previous History - The Cardinals have won 20 of their last 27 games at Miller Park, and each of their last five wins in Milwaukee came in games decided by more than one run.

3. X-Factor - Matt Carpenter is 13-for-30 (.433) with two home runs and four RBIs lifetime versus Peralta.

Selection: This is a play on the St. Louis Cardinals -1.5 (8*)