The heated Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals National League Division Series continues as the two teams attempt to take one step closer to the World Series. The Cubs start pitcher Kyle Hendricks on the mound tonight, hoping that the youngster gets them a crucial win in Game 2 of the division series. Meanwhile, the Cards seven-year vet Jaime Garcia.
Can youth conquer experience? Read on as we take a look at this NLDS Game 2 matchup.
Want to look ahead at the NLDS? Check out our complete NLDS predictions here. If you’re curious on who the top team in the National League would be after the championship series, then check out our NL Pennant Odds Update.
[sc:MLBArticles ]
Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals NLDS Game 2 Preview
With stud ace Jake Arrieta still resting after pitching a complete game shutout against Pittsburgh in the Wild Card game, the Chicago Cubs turn to Kyle Hendricks (8-7, 3.95 ERA) for the Game 2 of their NLDS against the St. Louis Cardinals.
[sc:MLB240banner ]While Hendricks was solid in his last two starts of the regular season, pitching in 12 shutout innings combined against the Milwaukee Brewers and Kansas City Royals, he looked pretty vulnerable against the Cardinals. He allowed four earned runs on six hits, including a homer in his lone start at Busch Stadium in the regular season. Hendricks went 6-4 with a 4.46 ERA in 17 road starts.
Considering Hendricks once again struggles against the Cardinals, the Cubs will need to step up big time at the plate. But leadoff man Dexter Fowler is 0 for 9 lifetime with three strikeouts against Cards starter Jaime Garcia. Starlin Castro and Miguel Montero, who both bat later in the order, could have some big hits against Garcia.
Castro is 4 of 13 with one strikeout against Garcia in his career, while Montero is 2 for 2 with a homer and a walk in three plate appearances.
The Cubs have won in five of Hendricks’ last seven road starts.
Betting on the St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals put a very solid pitcher on the mound to start Game 2 of the NLDS against Chicago. Jaime Garcia ((10-6, 2.43 ERA) has been solid at home, going 5-2 with a 1.70 ERA in 10 starts at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals won six straight home games started by Garcia in the regular season.
Garcia will need to be extra sharp though as he’s yet to meet the Cubs this season. The Cards are 2-3 in his last five starts against the Cubs. He allowed three runs or less in his last three losses to the Cubs.
The Cardinals could have a big offensive outburst in this game with Matt Carpenter, Matt Holiday and Jhonny Peralta. Carpenter is 6 of 10 with a homer and three RBIs against Hendricks, while Holiday is 6 for 12 with two homers and four RBIs. Peralta has hit 4 of 11 with a double and an RBI.
Carpenter led the Cardinals with 28 homers and 84 RBIs in the regular season. Getting him going at the plate will be crucial for St. Louis’ offense.
Writer’s Prediction
The Cards dominate Hendricks to take Game 2. Create a betting account now and cash in on the big matchups in the MLB postseason.
