The San Diego Padres opened the second half of the schedule with a three-game sweep of the Giants, but they came up short in a 10-2 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals in the opener of a four-game series at Busch Stadium last night. The Cardinals are on a mission to chase down the Cubs who sit top of the NL Central, and I like the Cards to do their job Tuesday night.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Cardinals hand the ball to Carlos Martinez (8-6, 2.85). He's been excellent over his last eight outings, holding six opponents to one run or fewer. The 24 year old right-hander is coming off an 11-strikeout performance July 9 in Milwaukee that tied a career high. The Padres counter with Colin Rea (5-3, 4.95 ERA) who surrendered four runs on eight hits and three walks in 4 2/3 innings at Arizona his last start. Rea has posted a 5.52 ERA in six road starts this season and the Cardinals have won each of their last five games against a right-handed starter.

2. Home Cookin' - St. Louis' owns a losing home record at 21-28, but it's 7-3 in Martinez's last 10 home starts vs. a team with a losing record. The Padres are 10-26 all-time at the current Busch Stadium.

3. X-Factor - Former Padre Jedd Gyorko went 3-for-3 with a solo home run last night, his third consecutive three-hit performances versus San Diego.

Selection: This is a play on the St. Louis Cardinals (6*)