Cardinals-Astros Preview

Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Monday when the St. Louis Cardinals and the Houston Astros meet at Minute Maid Park.

The Cardinals will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander Todd Wellemeyer in this game. Wellemeyer has a 1-0 record and a 1.80 ERA this season.

Wellemeyer's opponent in this one will be Wandy Rodriguez. The Astros lefthander has a 7.20 ERA to go along with a 0-0 record this season.

Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.

The Cardinals defeated Washington 3-0 as a -135 favorite on Sunday. The three runs scored fell UNDER the posted over/under total (9).

Kyle Lohse pitched seven shutout innings for St. Louis, while Rick Ankiel was 2-4 with a home run and two RBI in the win.

The Astros lost to the Cubs 3-2 as a +185 underdog on Sunday. The five runs scored fell UNDER the posted over/under total (9).

Brandon Backe allowed two runs on six hits over six innings to earn a no-decision for Houston, while, Michael Tejada hit a solo home run.

Current streak:
St. Louis has won 5 straight games.
Houston has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
St. Louis: 5-1 SU
Houston: 2-5 SU

St. Louis most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Houston are 6-4
After playing Washington are 5-5
After a win are 9-1

Houston most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing St. Louis are 7-3
After playing Chi Cubs are 2-8
After a loss are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
St. Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
St. Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 10 of St. Louis's last 15 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Houston's last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Houston's last 15 games when playing at home against St. Louis
Houston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing St. Louis

Next up:
Houston home to St. Louis, Tuesday, April 8

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