BIG AL's MLB MOUND MISMATCH MASSACRE!

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Philadelphia Phillies over the St. Louis Cardinals.  The final game of Philadelphia's series against the Mets was postponed due to weather on Thursday, and that does three things for the Phils.  First, it allows them to skip meeting the best pitcher in NL in Jacob deGrom (although we actually liked the value of Eflin as a +220 underdog yesterday).  Second, it gives RHP Zach Eflin an extra day of rest, which is not a bad thing, as the Phillies are 19-13 after a day off, while St. Louis is a poor 10-21 in the same situation.  And, third, Eflin is now favored, and the Phillies are 18-10 (+4.4 games on the moneyline) as a favorite, with him on the mound.  Eflin has been very good in his two starts so far this season.  In 13 innings, he has a 3.46 ERA with 10 strikeouts and only two walks.  The Cards will go with veteran RH Carlos Martinez who began life in the Majors as a starter before transitioning to the bullpen and is now back in the rotation.  To say that Martinez's return to the rotation has been rough would be a big understatement.  Last season, C-Mart started five games and went 0-3 with a 9.90 ERA.  And so far through two starts in 2021, he is picking up where he left off in 2020, with an 0-2 record, 6.30 ERA, and 1.40 WHIP.  St. Louis is also 1-4 in the last five meetings and 2-5 in the last seven in Philly.  Take the Phils.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.