Chicago at St. Louis

The Chicago Cubs offense is improved, as we saw yesterday in an 8-0 rout of the Brewers and ace Zach Greinke. Young Jeff Samardzija really blossomed last season with a 2.97 ERA in 88 innings as opponents hit just .200 off him. He began this season the same way in a 4-3 win over Washington. Samardzija allowed 3 runs (one earned) on four hits and no walks in 8.2 innings Sunday. He struck out eight. St. Louis is home after opening the season on the road and the Cardinals are 2-6 in their last eight home games when following a road trip of seven or more days. Adam Wainwright goes after sitting out last year rehabbing and it's clear the former ace isn't back yet with a 4.76 ERA. The Cardinals are 0-4 in Wainwright's last four starts with five days of rest, so grab the dog in this rivalry series. Play the Cubs.