The set-up: After yesterday's high-scoring affair, I'm expecting much more a duel in the finale of this interleague contest. The visitors hand the ball to Carlos Carrasco (2-2, 3.71 ERA) who gave up four runs off seven hits while striking out four over four innings in a setback to the Tigers on Sunday. Carrasco has a 35:15 K:BB and the veteran will look to bounce back here after a couple of pedestria outings.

The pick: Joe Flaherty (2-0, 3.12) gets the nod for the hom eside and he most recently struck out three Royals over five scoreless to pick up his second win of the season on Monday. Last year Flaherty was 11-8 with a 2.75 ERA and now the hard-throwing right-hander has been given the green light to go deep into this contest. Finally note that St. Louis has seen the total go "under" the number in eight of its last 11 after allowing 13 or more runs in a loss in its previous outing. This one has "duel" written all over it.

The is a 10* TOTAL PLAY-BOOK on the UNDER Indians/Cardinals.