The last time I got involved with the Marlins they were plus $1.24 home 'dogs against the Braves two days ago. The Marlins led 5-1 going into the bottom of the ninth inning. Thanks to Sergio Romo blowing that lead in a 6-5 extra inning loss, I went from eating steak and lobster that night to settling for McDonald's Filet-O-Fish and fries.

The Marlins hosted the Cardinals last night. They played terrible and lost, 4-1. Don Mattingly ripped his team's effort level.

So you would think Miami would be more interested today especially with Elieser Hernandez set to make his season starting debut. A strong home effort should be expected. Hernandez has very impressive minor league numbers - 3-1 with a 1.13 ERA and a 69-to-14 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 48 innings while holding batters to a .194 average.This was accomplished at Triple A New Orleans, a member of the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League.

The Cardinals are 4-13 in their last 17 road games. They are 3-9 following a victory. St. Louis isn't exactly tearing the cover off the ball either averaging 2.2 runs in its last seven games.

Dakota Hudson will be on the hill for the Cardinals. He walks a lot of batters and doesn't miss many bats. He has a 3.70 ERA and 1.57 WHIP. He's a No. 5 type starter, who I consider more lucky than good.

So at this plus price, I will hold my nose and put a peanut on the Marlins.

(Editor's note: Stephen Nover is one of the hottest baseball 'cappers in North America going 40-25-3 on his last 68 premium/free plays. Stephen has two totals and a sides play today in addition to this free selection. Stephen is a blazing 25-12-2 for 68 percent on his last 39 premium/free baseball totals.)