MLB: Previewing Cards-Pirates Game 1

Game 1: Tuesday, May 1, 8:15 p.m. ET

Pitching Matchup: Charlie Morton (1-1, 2.65 ERA) vs. Adam Wainwright (0-3, 7.32 ERA)

Last Night's Review

The St. Louis Cardinals couldn't pull out the sweep against the Milwaukee Brewers, losing 3-2 on Sunday. Jaime Garcia had an okay outing, going seven innings, striking out six and giving up three runs. Zack Greinke out-dueled Garcia, going six innings and only allowing one run.

The Cardinals couldn't produce many key hits, going 2-14 with runners in scoring position and stranding 13 players on base.

The Cardinals still got the series win and look to take another series from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Tonight's Preview

Adam Wainwright does not look like the player he was before his surgery. Wainwright also deserves a little slack because to not have pitched in over a year and come back and try to dominate takes a lot of work. Wainwright's starts have been getting progressively better, and he will look to get his first win Tuesday against the Pirates.

He will have to pitch against Charlie Morton in order to get that first win. Martin has been less than average against the Cardinals in his career as a Pirate. He is 2-3 with a 4.31 ERA against the birds. The Pirates are three games under .500 and have a 4-8 road record this year.

Tonight's X-factor: Yadier Molina

Yadier Molina is having himself another All-Star caliber season. He has four home runs and 15 RBI already to start the season. He has a .400 average with five RBI against Morton, and he will need to step up and produce runs batting in the middle of the lineup.

My Prediction

Cardinals will win 4-2 and Wainwright will record his first win.