Game 1 of a DH so scheduled for seven innings -- monster total of 8.5 because the wind is blowing out pretty hard. I think this is a MAJOR trap game for the Cardinals after Thursday's stunning rally in Milwaukee to extend their winning streak to 12 in a row. Yes, the Cards have to keep winning to clinch the NL's second wild-card spot, but they also used three of their best relievers on Thursday. STL starter JA Happ has an 8.22 ERA this month, while Chicago's Justin Steele has been serviceable. St. Louis isn't starting Yadier Molina. This would make the Cubs' second half of the season to pull the upset. I'm not going that far.

This line seems like a mistake. The Cards are on a 12 game winning streak and I doubt they want it to stop until they clinch the Wild Card. JA Happ has actually been really good since coming over, only allowing more than 3 runs in 2 of his 9 starts. Justin Steele has been decent but he has had command issues having walked 9 batters in 14 IP this month. The Cards hit lefties well and they are 9-3 on the road in September. The Cubs have lost 8 of their last 10 games.