Kansas City at St. Louis

Could the Cardinals be swept at home by the lowly Royals? That is what we are banking against today as the Cardinals and one of the most legendary managers of all times in Tony LaRussa will prevent that horrible feat. The Cardinals to their credit have a full slate lineup back over the past few games with Edmonds, Puljols and Rolen clogging the middle which has been evident with their recent run production. All they need now is a solid start from a pitcher. I beleive they get that today from Marquis. Marquis has struggled a bit late but he has the potential to produce some solid starts as he has done earlier this year when he gave up just on earned run on 3 hits to Houston and one ER in 5 hits to the Colorado. The Cardinals need him to step up big today and I beleive he does. Wood, the Royals young pitcher, too has struggled of late giving up 7 hits in his previous 4 starts and in his last start against the Reds he didn't make it out of the 4th inning as he had given up four earned runs. The Royals are 1-5 when Wood starts as an underdog of +150 to +200. St. Louis is 21-5 when at home in interleage play when facing a right-hander and 5-1 at home when Marquis hits the mound. Let's roll with the Cardinals as they should take an early lead and not look back.