SP Paul Skenes averaged 99.0 and 99.3 MPH in each of his past two outings, rebounding to his highest levels since late June. He now faces a Cardinals lineup that's 29th in wRC+ (67) and 30th in wOBA (.262) in the last two weeks. He faced St. Louis twice earlier this season, holding the Cards to two total runs with 16 strikeouts in 14.2 combined frames.

STL SP Andre Pallante sports a 4.73 ERA and 1.52 WHIP with a .274 opponent BA at home this year. The Pirates' lineup ranks 1st in clutch rating and 4th in WPA (Win Probability Added) in the last 14 days.

I favor a wager on Skenes to outlast and outpitch Pallante, with the Pirates' bats coming through clutch for a straight-up win.