Chicago at St. Louis

The long and winding road continues for the Cubs, their eighth straight road game on a nine-game trek. The road travel appears to be taking a toll, losing three in a row and eight of 12. Starter Jason Hammel has a 5.26 ERA in eight starts against the Cardinals, including a 1-2 record and a 6.04 ERA the last four years (22 innings). Chicago has lost six of its last eight, scoring three or fewer runs in seven of the games. The Cubs are also 17-36 at St. Louis. The St. Louis Cardinals are 150-70 at home against a right-handed starter and have a great offense this season, second in runs scored and slugging, fourth in on base percentage. St. Louis starter Michael Wacha throws best in this park, sporting a 3.60 ERA at home this season, with the Cardinals 22-8 in his last 30 home starts. He is 15-6 at home the last four years and in his four victories this season the Cards have won by a 9-3 average. Play St. Louis on the runline.