The St. Louis Cardinals have opened up a 1-0 series lead on the Chicago Cubs thanks to a masterful pitching performance in Game 1. If history repeats itself, the visitors could once again struggle offensively in Game 2.
ODDS ANALYSIS
We've already seen some interesting line movement in Game 2 of this series. The Cardinals, who have one of the best home records in baseball, opened up at -155, only to almost immediately start to drop. As of early Saturday morning, St. Louis was only lined as a -135 favorite.
The total has held firm at 6.5.
PITCHING MATCHUP
Jamie Garcia was picked to start Game 2 for the Cards, which might be a bit of a surprise to some. He only went 10-6 on the year, and advanced stats will suggest that his 2.43 ERA was more a product of good fortune than good skill. That said, he is a lefty, and the Cubs have struggled mightily against left-handed pitching this year, batting just .234 as a team.
Kyle Hendricks will get the ball from Joe Maddon in a game which all of a sudden looks like it might be for the season. With Jake Arrieta scheduled to pitch Game 3, this one can completely change the perception of this series.
Hendricks has had a really hot hand, allowing just three hits in 12 scoreless innings in his last two starts.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"Every time I take that mound, basically take it as if it's your last time ever to pitch in a major league game. I'm ready." – Cardinals starting pitcher Jamie Garcia on what it means to get the start in Game 2 of the NLDS
SITUATIONAL BETTING
We saw on Friday why Trevor Rosenthal is one of the most dangerous closers in baseball. First the good. He struck out the side. That's awesome. Now the bad. He allowed two base runners in a four-run game. With Rosenthal throwing 21 pitches in a non-save situation, we're not sure how effective he would be in this game. Here's what we know, though. If the Cubs are behind in the ninth, they're going to have a shot as long as they are within touching distance.
PROP TALK
One has to wonder if the moment is just too big right now for Kris Bryant. He is just 1-for-21 since September 30, and he struck out twice with four men left on base against St. Louis in Game 1.
Bryant's home and away splits have always been substantial, and the fact that all of this bad luck he has gone through has been on the road tells us that we want to steer clear from him in this game.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
We don't understand what's up with the love for the Cubs in this game. St. Louis is a really good ball club, and we saw that on display Friday night. The Cardinals aren't going to go easily into the night, and they are virtually impossible to take down when it comes to playing here at Busch Stadium.
Mike Matheny knows the importance of this game with Arrieta and potentially Lester again waiting in the wings. Winning this game is paramount, and we think St. Louis will manage to do just that on Saturday.
St. Louis 4, Chicago 2
The baseball betting odds for this Saturday game were first available at BookMaker Sportsbook. The Cardinals opened at -155 with a total of 6.5. BookMaker is going to have multiple betting options available for this televised baseball matchup. Live wagering during commercials offers an adjusted moneyline, individual inning run totals and next hitter results. Log in and start gambling during the game now!
Need to fund your account before the big game but don't have your computer? No problem! BookMaker Sportsbook now offers a mobile betting cashier so you can deposit money directly from your smartphone or tablet. Don't miss out on getting paid because you couldn't bet. Click here and deposit at BookMaker now! Game 2 of the NLDS between the Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals will take place Saturday, October 10, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. ET at Busch Stadium. Catch the action live on TBS.
