MLB fixtures – National League fixtures for Monday, April 7th 2014

Here’s our preview of tonight’s MLB action in the National League… CINCINNATI REDS (2-4) @ ST. LOUIS CARDINALS (3-3) Busch Stadium – 21:15 GMT Expected pitchers – Cingrani (0-0, 0.00) vs. Wacha (0-0, 0.00)   The Cincinnati Reds are expected to contend again for a playoff spot in the NL Central, coming off a strong 90-win campaign that saw them through to the Wild Card playoff in 2013. As was expected, their pitching staff has been particularly strong, allowing  or fewer runs in 3 of their first six games. The problem for the Reds in the early going have been their bats, where everyday starters Bobbie Hamilton and Zack Cozart have both struggled to get anything going offensively. The team sought balanced offensive punch behind the reliable Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips this season, so they will hope that early season struggles can be overcome soon.   Being defending N.L. champions, the Cardinals had a big target painted on their back to start the 2014 campaign. Their 3-3 start belies what has been a strong pitching start to the year for St. Louis. With the exception of a 12-2 loss to Pittsburgh on Friday, the Cards have allowed a minimal amount of runs (10 in their other 5 games). Monday’s starter is Michael Wacha, who didn’t allow a run and just 3 hits on 6 2/3 innings pitched against Cincinnati in his first start of the season, form which he will look to continue into another match-up with the Reds. The Cards won the opening series between these two teams 2 games to 1.   PICK: St. Louis CHICAGO WHITE SOX (3-3) @ COLORADO ROCKIES (3-4) Coors Field – 01:40 GMT
Expected pitchers – Paulino (0-0, 1.69) vs. Lyles (1-0, 7.20)   The Chicago White Sox entered 2014 in the midst of a serious organizational rebuild, so this was always going to be a tough year for them to be competitive. Still, they have looked competitive in their first two series of the year, posting a .500 record and looking capable offensively in doing so. Shortstop Alexei Ramirez (.455, 0HR 4RBI) has 10 hits from 22 AB, and looks like an excellent lead off presence for the club. With the exception of stellar ace Chris Sale (2-0, 1.76), the pitching has been relatively lackluster; the team hopes that veteran Felipe Paulino can build off a strong first start, and post improvements on Monday.   As is so often the case with the team that occupies the Mile High confines of Coors Field, the only way the Rockies were going to compete for a playoff spot this season, was if their pitching stood up. Their first two series against Miami and Arizona were road series, and their bats definitely carried the day, particularly that of all-World leftfielder Carlos Gonzalez (.346, 2HR 8RBI). Now that they return home, all eyes will be back on the pitching staff, including Monday’s starter Jordan Lyles. The team has high hopes for the 23-year old, and he can start to act on those hopes by posting a strong outing in his first of the season at Coors.   PICK: Colorado MILWAUKEE BREWERS (4-2) @ PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (3-3)   postponed due to weather