10* BLOWOUT SIDE OF THE MONTH on St. Louis Cardinals.

The St. Louis Cardinals will look to rebound from a 4-1 loss at PNC Park on Opening Day, with a favorable pitching match in Game 2 of this series versus Pittsburgh. The Cardinals hand the ball to 24 year old right-hander Michael Wacha, and he should be able to out-duel veteran Jonathon Niese. My money is on the Cardinals.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Previous History - Niese has not impressed in four appearances this Spring, going 0-2 with an 8.40 ERA. He got roughed up by St. Louis last year, going 0-1 with a 5.68 ERA in two starts. His numbers at PNC Park aren't very encouraging either, he's 1-1 with a 5.91 ERA in two starts here since 2013.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - The Cardinals lineup is batting .304 over a combined 92 at bats versus Neise, and both Matt Carpenter and Jedd Gyorko are a combined 9-for-17 with four doubles. Yadier Molina has faced him more than any other Cardinal, and he hasn't been fooled, batting .318 with a home run.

3. X-Factor - The Cardinals are 7-3 in their last 10 road games versus a left-handed starter.

Selection: This is a play on the St. Louis Cardinals (10*)