Chicago White Sox vs St. Louis Cardinals Predictions

Recent hitting meets a pitching test

St. Louis has hit .288 over its last 10 games compared with Chicago's .207, according to the ESPN / Data Skrive game preview. That gives the Cardinals a reason to be favored at SPF's -114, with the White Sox priced at -105. Chicago has lost four straight, including Friday's 7-3 series opener at Busch Stadium.

The same preview lists Chicago left-hander Sean Newcomb and St. Louis right-hander Kyle Leahy as probable starters. Newcomb has a 2.71 ERA and 1.13 WHIP; Leahy has a 3.41 ERA and 1.33 WHIP. Those season numbers favor Newcomb, though they don't establish how deep either pitcher will work.

Betting decision

St. Louis is the slight winner pick on recent hitting, but its pitching staff has a 5.31 ERA over the last 10 games. That makes it harder to trust the Cardinals to turn their batting advantage into a win. Pass on the moneyline.