These are two of the worst teams in the National League. But there's a difference. The Cardinals have far more talent. They have the superior pitcher going today and are feeling a little better about themselves after an 8-7 victory against the Mets on Sunday.

Washington continues to reel. The Nationals are 4-14 in their last 18 games.

The pitching matchup is Jack Flaherty versus Josiah Gray.

Flaherty has given up fewer than two earned runs during three of his last four starts. He has a 2.14 career ERA versus Washington in four starts.
Gray is prone to giving up the long ball. He surrendered a whopping 38 homers last season. He's been touched for 10 homers this season. Gray has made two starts against the Cardinals and has an 8.64 ERA to show for it.

The Cardinals probably are the biggest underachievers in baseball. The Nationals, though, are 2-11 in their last 13 games. They have lost the first game of a series in 40 of the past 51 times.

So this is one time I trust the Cardinals as a mid-size favorite.