Probable starter, 41 year old Wainwright for the Cards has been looking like his nickname (Uncle Charlie) out there lately. In his last 3 starts he has averaged 3.7 IP, 1.3 SO and 5.3 earned runs against. In June his ERA and WHIP ballooned to 9.00 and 2.23 respectively. Marlins’ Luzardo’s June ERA and WHIP of 0.93 and .673 respectively are in sharp contrast to Wainwright’s numbers. Those are pretty extreme numbers at either end of the continuum for both pitchers. This could be the end of the road for Wainwright.

With Wainwright getting pulled so early lately, that is a lot of pressure on a bullpen that has struggled to a n 8.27 ERA in its last 5 games. The Marlins’ bullpen has been better as of late and so should be able to carry Lazardo’s start across the finish line if needs be.

Both teams have been in the top ¼ of the majors in hitting stats lately but clearly the Cards will have a tougher go against Luzardo than the Marlins will against Wainwright. The Marlins should easily cover the spread on this one.