Situational handicapping doesn't play out nearly that well in baseball as it does in some other sports. But this spot does set up well for the home underdog Cardinals.

The Dodgers have been home for the last week. They just concluded a tough series against the Twins. Now they travel to St. Louis. LA has lost its last two road openers.

The Cardinals were maybe the biggest underachievers in the league - until the past 11 days. St. Louis is finally showing signs of turning things around going 8-2 in its last 10 games. This isn't a fluke. The Cardinals were way overdue. They have the best roster in the National League Central.

The Dodgers are good, but they aren't the super team of last season. The same applies to Julio Urias, who gets the start here. He's 5-3 with a 3.61 ERA.

The Cardinals are going with Adam Wainwright. Now it's not true that Wainwright sailed with Noah, but he is old. He's also crafty and very fresh having thrown only five innings so far this season. Wainwright still is reliable. His ERA the past three seasons are 3.71, 3.05 and 3.15.

Wainwright has pitched effectively against the Dodgers historically with a 7-6 record and 2.79 ERA in 19 appearances, including 16 starts.