Cardinals (Wainwright, 13-7, 2.97) /Brewers F. Peralta, 9-3, 2.45)

Two premier starters face each other on Friday. The Cards’ Adam Wainwright at aged 40 is pitching as well as he ever has. He is 6-2 on the road and has given up 2 earned runs in 21 innings pitched over his last three starts. He is very good against right handed batters. It is Freddy Peralta for the Brewers on Friday. Peralta’s stats are excellent for the year, but he has been on the disabled list for a couple of weeks and this will be his first game back. His outings are shorter, around five innings, but he has the support of the Brewers’ bullpen which has been very good, if well used lately. The Cardinals’ bullpen, usually dependable, has been poor in their last 7 games, but when Wainwright is on his game, he hasn’t needed much relief.

There is no doubt that the Brewers have the superior offense, but I am riding on Wainwright and the Cards. After a few weeks absence it may take Peralta a few innings to settle in and Wainwright has been almost unhittable lately. Cards are a pretty good underdog, so take the Cards +1 ½. If you are feeling bold, well then it is up to you.