1* Free Play UNDER Cardinals/Pirates.

The visitors send Carlos Martinez (9-3, 2.70 ERA) to the hill, who most recently gave up one run off eight hits over 6 1/3's innings in a no-decision vs. the Padres on Saturday. Recent performance always plays a part in my MLB handicapping process (especially when it comes to the starting pitching) and there's no question that Martinez comes into the break on top form, Saturday's effort was his tenth quality start and he has 70 K's over that stretch. The Cards have to be liking their chances today as Martinez is 5-2 with a very respectable 2.73 ERA on the road this year. The home side counters with Jeff Locke (5-4, 4.15 ERA) who went eight innings vs. Cleveland on Saturday without giving up a run, while scattering two hits with no walks to go along with six K's in the process. Note that Locke has been particularly effective at home this season as well, posting a 3-2, 2.64 ERA in Pittsburgh thus far. For the most part MLB handicapping comes down to the starting pitching, so in this case, the UNDER is no doubt worthy of a second look in this one.

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