The set-up: Two starters who appear to be improving with each outing collide in the opener of this three-game series and in my opinion, runs are going to be at a premium tonight. The visitors got with Vince Velasquez, while the home side goes with Miles Mikolas.

The pitchers: Velasquez (1-1, 2.73 ERA) is coming off an outing to forget though vs. the Tigers on Tuesday, allowing three runs over four innings. The one bright spot was that he'd strike out seven. Despite the sub-par showing though Velasquez still owns the sharp ERA and 1.22 WHIP to go along with a 29:10 K:BB.

Mikolas (3-2, 4.73) gave up seven hits with one walk while striking out four over six innings in a win over the Reds on Wednesday. It was easily his best start of the year and I don't think there's any reason to think that Mikolas can't now carry that momentum over here as well.

The pick: Take it for what you will as ell, but Philly has seen the total go under the number in four of five already this year as an underdog in the +100 to +150 range, while St. Louis has seen the total dip under in six of its last nine after being swept on the road in a three game series by a division rival. This number is high.

Philadelphia Phillies/STL Cards UNDER

8* play