The St. Louis Cardinals defeated NL Central foe Pittsburgh Pirates 11-7 in the opener of a four-game series on Thursday. They're 7-1 in their last eight games following a win, and I think the Cards will come through again tonight.

The Cards hand the ball to Carlos Martinez (9-9, 3.56 ERA). He's been solid all season long and held the Pirates to a pair of runs through seven innings on July 16.

The Pirates turn to Trevor Williams (5-5, 4.19 ERA) who gave up four runs (three earned) in six innings in Pittsburgh's 7-2 loss at Toronto his last time out. Williams is 1-0 with a 3.50 ERA in four career appearances but the Bucs are 3-8 in Williams' last 11 starts, and I think the Cards will get the better of him today.

The Cards have played well this month winning nine of their last 12 games while the Pirates have lost five in a row. I also like the umpire angle here with the Cardinals 5-2 in their last seven games with Pat Hoberg behind home plate while the Pirates are 1-5 in their last six with Hoberg behind home plate.

My selection is an 8* play on St. Louis Cardinals.