Keith Srakocic / AP
Pittsburgh Pirates’ Andrew McCutchen flies out to St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Matt Carpenter in front of catcher Yadier Molina for the last out of Game 4 of a National League baseball division series on Monday, Oct. 7, 2013, in Pittsburgh. The Cardinals won 2-1 to tie the best-of-five series.
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Pittsburgh Pirates minus-115 vs. St. Louis Cardinals: $575 to win $500
In the first regular-season Major League Baseball game of the year, there seems to be value on the Pirates. By any preseason analytical measure, these two teams are almost dead even.
The Pirates could therefore lay a nickel or dime more considering they’re playing at home with their No. 1 starter on the mound. Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright is more decorated, but Francisco Liriano is just as lethal when healthy.
It’s a good bet that he’s 100 percent at the start of the season. And like his teammates, Liriano figures to be at his best on opening day.
The Pirates have stressed getting off to a better start this season after a slow April relegated them to the wild card in each of the last two years. The Cardinals are the other factor that’s kept the Pirates there, as St. Louis has won the National League Central three years in a row.
It’s almost too fitting for Pittsburgh to start the year with a win over St. Louis.
Current Standings (as of July 1): Brewer (42-34-2, $11,810), Keefer (40-50-2, $6,872), Bern (29-35, $6,565)
Lifetime standings: 2014-15 Champion Bern (108-109-1), Keefer (123-132-4), Brewer (111-121-4)
Case Keefer can be reached at 702-948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.
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