Dodgers @ Cardinals: Cards Look to End Series in A Draw

The St. Louis Cardinals sit only three games back from the Pittsburgh Pirates and are looking to gain some more ground.  Standing in there way is the Los Angeles Dodgers who are five games up as the leaders of the NL West and are looking to put even more distance between themselves and the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Cardinals lost the last game of this four-game series in a barn burner, 4-13.  They will be trying to end this series in a draw with a win today.

The Cards will be trying to get it done with a new pitcher in Carlos Martinez.  Martinez was expecting to pitch in Reno tonight, but will insted be taking the mound in St. Louis for his first big league start.

Martinez is ranked as the St. Louis’ No.3 overall prospect.  In the minors, Martinez is 5-2 with a 1.87 ERA this season.  He has made some relief pitching appearances for the Dodgers but seemed to struggle.

The Dodgers will counter the newbie with a rookie of their own in Hyun-Jin Ryu,  Ryu had a rocky last start when he allowed 11 hits but only two runs in 5 1/3 innings.  However, he is 10-3 on the season with a 3.15 ERA which has many mentioning his name as a NL Rookie of the Year Award candidate.  He has not lost a game since June 19.

The Dodgers have been fantastic on the road having a 15 consecutive road wins snapped earlier this week.  They lead the MLB in away-game victories.

The Cardinals are the slight favorites to win tonight’s game with a -105 money line over at Bovada.  The Dodgers moneyline is EVEN.  The game starts at 8:15 p.m. ET.