The set-up: The Cards come off a 6-2 win over the Reds on Sunday, while the Royals fell 5-4 at home to the Twins. I think St. Louis is going to also find a way to get the job done in this matchup, as all signs point to the Royals faltering in this difficult road venue. The visitors go with Brad Keller (3-0, 0.00 ERA) who enters off another gem, going 6.2 scoreless and striking out five in a win over the Reds on Wednesday. That's now 17.2 scoreless innings so far for Keller this year. Can anyone say "imminent regression?" Last year Keller was 7-14 with a 4.19 ERA and that included going only 3-8 with a 4.98 ERA on the road.

The pick: Jack Flahery (1-0, 3.12) counters for the home side and he gave up one run over 1.2 innings vs. the Cubs on Wednesday. Flaherty has been cleared to go today and remember, he was 11-8 with a 2.75 ERA last season, including 7-4 with a 2.38 ERA at home. I love Flaherty to continue his progression and I fully expect the over-achieving Keller to take a big step back. Lay it.

This is a 6* TOP-DECK DESTRUCTION on the Cardinals.