The Marlins will counter with former Cardinals right-hander Sandy Alcantara. The first pitch from Marlins Park is scheduled for 6:40 pm ET.
Cardinals Finally Get a Good Start
Gant moved into the Cardinals rotation after spring injuries to Miles Mikolas and Kwang Hyun Kim. He last started on Sept. 26, 2018, and last season, he was 0-3 with a 2.40 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 17 relief outings. He is 2-1 lifetime against the Marlins with a 2.89 ERA in two starts and seven total outings.
On Monday night, the Cardinals got off to a great start against the Marlins with three runs in the top of the first inning. Taylor Rogers walked the bases loaded, and Yadier Molina punished his ineffectiveness with a two-run double. Later in the game, Tommy Edman hit his first home run of the season.
Starting pitcher Daniel Ponce de Leon picked up the win with five innings of one-run ball, the best outing by a Cardinals starter this season. Alex Reyes nailed down the save, and overall, the bullpen threw four shutout innings with six strikeouts.
Nolan Arenado had two hits Monday and is off to a .412 start with his new team. Meanwhile, Paul Goldschmidt is batting .375, and shortstop Paul DeJong has two of the Cardinals’ six home runs. Molina and rookie outfielder Dylan Carlson lead the team with four RBI each in four games.
Marlins Turn to Ace to Even Series
Alcantara was the Marlins’ Opening Day starter against Tampa Bay, and he took a no-decision with six shutout innings. Alcantara walked two, struck out seven and allowed just two hits in a 1-0 Miami loss.
He came up to the majors with the Cardinals before being sent to Miami in the Marcell Ozuna trade prior to the 2018 season, and he is 0-1 against St. Louis with a 0.56 ERA in one start.
New Marlins outfielder Starling Marte drove in the team’s lone run Monday with a sacrifice fly, and he’s batting .467 on the young season. The Marlins bullpen struck out eight over five innings, and Rogers took the loss.
Even with the loss for Rogers, starting pitching has been a bright spot for Miami in the young season. In four starts, they have allowed just four earned runs over 17⅓ innings while striking out 20. Miami starters have held opposing batters to a .136 average.
The bats have been quiet, though, with just two home runs in four games and 16 total runs scored. Marte, first baseman Jesus Aguilar and outfielder Garrett Cooper are the only Miami players hitting over .286. That trio has combined for half of the Marlins 10 extra-base hits.
Betting Analysis
The Marlins have the advantage in terms of starting pitching, as Gant is a wild card with no starts in 31 months. The Cardinals have the better lineup from top to bottom, and the middle of the lineup will provide a challenge for Alcantara.
St. Louis used its three best relievers on Monday and is unlikely to run them out there in back-to-back games given the injury history of Reyes and Jordan Hicks.
Pick: Marlins Moneyline
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