Cardinals (Woodford, 3-3, 3.92) vs. Cubs (Thompson, 3-3, 3.40)

The Cards last lost on September 6. Their pitching is not a surprise but their surprising offense is first in the MLB. All streaks must end, but it is not likely today. Youngster Jake Woodford is on the mound. Since being stretched out as a starter he has had good success, and while his starts are only 4 or 5 innings, his ERA is 3.38 in September. The Cardinals’ bullpen has been very sharp of late, to no-one’s surprise.

Keegan Thompson is on the mound for the Cubs. He has only started a pair of time in each of August and September, and his starts have not lasted more than two innings. In his last 5+ innings, he has given up 7 runs. Thompson’s success aside, allowing the hard hitting Cards 7 innings access to the Cubs’ bullpen is not a recipe for success. The Cub’s relievers are heavily used and have a 7.67 collective ERA in their last 7 games.

The total is tempting today but it is set very high. Take the Cardinals -1.5 today.