1* free play on the St. Louis Cardinals...

The St. Louis Cardinals won in extra-innings in Game 1 of this home series versus the Cubs, and they are now a major league best 27-7 at home. The Cubs have really struggled to score during a three game skid, totaling just 4 runs. I would expect the Cardinals to be a bigger favorite here tonight with a mismatch on the mound, but the price is right to back the home team at Busch Stadium.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Michael Wacha will be on the mound for the Cardinals, and he's in search of his 10th win. Wacha (9-3, 2.85 ERA) gave up five runs on eight hits over five innings in a loss at Philadelphia in his last outing. He should be able to bounce back at home where he is 3-1 with a 3.16 ERA in five starts. The Cubs counter with rookie right-hander Donn Roach, who makes his 2015 debut. He pitched 31 innings as a reliever last year, giving up 17 runs and walking 15.

2. The Bullpens - The Cardinals bullpen ranks first in the Major Leagues with an ERA of 2.07. It was Chicago's bullpen that cost them last night's game, and that's a fairly common story for the Cubbies.

3 X-Factor - Kolton Wong was 2-for-4 last night, and he's 9-for-17 in his last five versus the Cubs.

Selection: This is a play on the St. Louis Cardinals (Free)