Scott Delaney
Scott Delaney Friday ...
100 DIME ST. LOUIS CARDINALS RUN LINE (WITH Wainwright and De La Rosa) - Colorado was a huge underdog winner last night, snapping a four-game skid with a 10-3 shellacking of the Astros. Back to the losing, as this team has still lost seven of its last 10. And now it takes on a pitcher that has a strong 2.70 ERA at Busch Stadium, and who has pitched quite well over his last five starts.
Though he’s posted a 2-2 mark in those games, thrice he’s given up just one earned run, while he’s lasted a minimum of six innings in them all. In fact, his durable has been a strong point for the Cardinals, as he’s lasted at least six frames – the minimum to earn a quality start – in nine straight starts. He’s taken on the Cubbies three times, Milwaukee twice and the Phillies once, so he’s seen some decent lineups.
The Rockies are a far cry from those teams, despite hosting games in hitter-friendly Coors Field, as they rank 24th in the league in hitting – 11th in the National League. And I don’t see them standing a chance against St. Louis’ tall right-hander who pitches downhill with a running fastball that reaches 93 miles per hour and a nasty curveball he can change the break on with ease. He has great command of his pitches, and pitches with more confidence when it comes to his off-speed junk.
Sorry, but this is a major pitching mismatch, as Colorado’s Jorge De La Rosa is 0-6 this season with a 5.43 ERA. His biggest problem is handling in-game adversity. And in having to pitch inside Busch, against a potent lineup, I think he’ll make one too many mistakes tonight. Lay the Run Line.
Delaney
