MLB: Previewing Cardinals-Cubs Game 1

Game 1: Monday, April 23rd 8:05 pm ET.

Pitching Match-up: Jaime Garcia (2-0 3.06 ERA) vs. Matt Garza (1-1 3.66 ERA)

Last Night's Review

The Cardinals yet again pulled off another series win in Pittsburgh tying the longest streak of series won to start the season after winning the World Series.

Rafael Furcal had three hits and David Freese had a clutch two-out single that drove in two runs in the third to help propel the Cardinals to their sixth straight series win.

Kyle Lohse didn't need more help after the third inning because he went on to shut out the Pirates for seven scoreless innings until he let up two straight hits in the bottom of the eighth which led to the Pirates only run of the game.

Tonight's Preview

Jaime Garcia is coming off of his best outing of the season so far against the Reds going seven innings and only giving up one run securing his second victory of the season.

He will need to be just as dominant tonight against the Cubs for the Cardinals to win because Matt Garza will be coming out firing on all cylinders trying to shake off his worst outing of the season against the Miami Marlins going only five innings and giving up six runs.

Garza has been solid against the Cardinals posting a 2-1 record with a 3.57 ERA. Jaime Garcia has been even better posting a 2-1 record with a 2.30 ERA against the Cubs.

Both pitchers should come out dominating the lineups early but Garcia will have the upper hand thanks to his dominance against the Cubs lineup. Both pitchers should stay around for five or more innings with Garcia lasting longer the Garza.

Tonight's X Factor: Jaime Garcia

Garcia will need to pitch well against the Cubs to secure his third win of the season. Even though the Cubs have a losing record at home, out of there four wins, three of them have been at home this season. So, Garcia will have to be mindful that the Cubs do play better at home. He needs to keep his composure down and his command up. If he does that he should find himself cruising to his third victory of the season.

I am going to predict 7.0 innings 5 H 1 ER 1 BB 5 K for Garcia.

My Prediction

Cardinals pull out the 4-1 victory.