Thursday's Free MLB Pick with Expert Analysis

[VernonCroy]

Thursday's Free MLB Pick by Larry Ness of Vernon Croy Sports

MLB Saint Louis vs. Houston

Take Saint Louis Cardinals

Chris Carpenter won last year's Cy Young and he may make it two straight awards this year. Since July 4 he's 9-2 with a 2.73 ERA and has gone 5-0 with a 1.46 ERA over his last seven starts (team is 6-1). Pettitte goes for Houston and will make his first start since September 12, as he's had some elbow problems and he's also been given some time to deal with his ailing father. While Pettitte has pitched well recently (has allowed two ERs or less in six of his last seven starts), the team is just 4-3 in those games. After back-to-back playoff seasons, including a World Series appearance against the White Sox last year, the Astros look as if they are going to fall short this year. While the Cards have had their struggles, I expect them to win the Central and tonight's win will bring then a game closer to that goal. Take StL.

[ed_dogg]

Vernon, what are your wins to loses?

[smyce]

Of course the first time I bet your picks...you've been red hot lately and theres no reason this should have been a loss. Keeping Carpenter in for th 8th inning was stupid!