Houston at St. Louis

The Cards continued their major fade in September, running their record to just 2-13 over their last 15 games. The Cards have been out scored 102-54, and if you throw out the 11 they scored (also a loss), they have managed 43 runs in 14 games, or just three a game. That is nothing new for this Cardinal team, as they have managed three runs or less in 75 games on the season! Joel Piniero has struggled as well, and the only team to see him twice were the Cubs, and they ended up beating the Cards 12-3 the second time around. Brandon Backe seems to be getting his arm strength back after spending the bulk of the season on the DL. His last outing was his best, allowing just two runs, and three hits over six innings. The Astros are averaging eight runs per game over their last six, and we like them to make it two in a row over the punchless Cards.