Game Preview 6/13: Cardinals vs. Brewers

Cardinals look to even up the series.

I think it’s fair to say that yesterday did not go as planned. Sonny Gray looked good at first although apparently felt off, and things unraveled in the 5th. The offense never got it going. But it’s a four-game series and we have another game tonight. A game that allows the Cardinals to even up the series.

But… it’s not a great game on paper. The pitching matchup is a mismatch. Erick Fedde takes the mound for the Cardinals, and opposite him is Freddy Peralta. Peralta is a better pitcher than Fedde, no contest. But that doesn’t mean it’s hopeless. This is why we play the games as they say. Fedde has allowed 2 or less earned runs in 8 of his 13 games started. Bad news is that he allowed his most runs against the Brewers earlier this year.

But! Freddy Peralta is not Kyle Hendricks. The Cardinals have scored on him in the past and often. Would it shock you to learn that in 19 career games (and 15 starts), Peralta has a 4.91 ERA against the Cardinals? He is also 4-6. Sometimes, the Cardinals really do get to Peralta. Seems a lot more beatable if you think you’re facing a 4.91 ERA pitcher. And the Cardinals have gotten to good pitchers this year. So, let’s hope for the same.

How to watch: FanDuel Sports Midwest

How to listen: 1120AM KMOX/104.1FM

First pitch: 7:10 PM CDT

Matchup:

STL – Erick Fedde (3.54 ERA/4.31 FIP/5.08 xFIP)

vs.

MIL – Freddy Peralta (2.69 ERA/3.89 FIP/4.10 xFIP)

Players to Watch

STL – Michael Siani: Picking a player to watch can sometimes be difficult, and sometimes I resort to a very familiar strategy, which is pick the new guy. Michael Siani gets his first start since the middle of April. He responded to his demotion by being an above average hitter for the first time in his career in AAA. Long-term, I am certainly skeptical he can be a good hitter, but for one game, sure let’s make it happen Siani.

MIL – William Contreras: Another strategy I use to pick the player to watch is look at how a better is doing against a pitcher. And folks, Fedde dreams of Contreras in his sleep. I might be exaggerating, but Contreras has a 1.625 OPS against Fedde in 16 career plate appearances. He has eight hits and two homers with two walks. He’s got a .571 average against Fedde. He’s due to go hitless against Fedde, right?