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 Padres don't score a lot of runs, and I expect a low scoring battle here in St. Louis.

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' - The under is 12-5-1 in the Cardinals last 18 home games.The under is 5-0-1 in Martinez's last six home starts.

3. X-Factor - Matt Carpenter might be the most productive hitter in the Cardinals lineup, and he's sidelined with an injury. Brandon Moss is also on the 15 day DL, and he leads the team with 17 home runs.

Selection: This is a play on the Padres@Cardinals to go UNDER the total (10*)