I'm backing the Cardinals on Wednesday. The Redbirds have counted on strong starts from Carlos Martinez this season and they have backed him well, currently on 6-0 & 16-3 runs when he toes the starting rubber. Martinez was knocked around a bit in his last start, the Cards still won the game, but it was just the second time in 13 starts that the righty allowed more than 2 earned runs in a start. I expect a bounce back tonight and there's no reason to believe he won't. Martinez has made two strong starts against Cincy this season after posting a 2.87 ERA in 11 appearances against Cincy prior to 2015. Left-hander David Holmberg makes his second start of the season after a decent outing against Pittsburgh on July 30. Holmberg has a lifetime 4.76 ERA & 1.51 WHIP in nine Major League appearances, including seven starts and I expect a tough night against a Cardinal lineup that's 7th in MLB in road OBP. St. Louis is on a 5-1 run against southpaws, to go along with the 6-0 & 16-3 runs mentioned above. I'm backing the Cardinals on Wednesday, my Heavy Hitter. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

08/04/2015 11:11 PM