Brief Cards preview

It's all downhill from here, folks.  This trip to St. Louis will be the last one the Braves take to a city with a team over .500.  Nothing but bears (Cubs), beer (Brewers), and Battlestar Galactica other sub-par teams from this point forward.  Well, except the Indians, but they're probably a tier below both Atlanta and St. Louis.

While the Braves are essentially on cruise-control until October, St. Louis is locked in the middle of a vicious, nasty NL Central race that will likely come down to the last week.  They've got a lot to play for, and they will surely want revenge on this Atlanta team that threw them into a bit of a tailspin in late July.  Since getting swept by the Braves and losing four of five to Pittsburgh, the Cards have gone 10-9, allowing Pittsburgh to maintain its' lead on them by one game coming into today's action.  Yadier Molina missed most of that time on the DL, but has since come back and raked, hitting .370 with two homers in the last week.  That freaking guy.

This is the last series of the season where a split would/should be considered acceptable, especially considering the recent blows the offense has sustained.  Get the hell out of there with no more injuries, get home, and start working toward October. 

Series matchups:

Tonight, 8:15 (local broadcast and MLB Network)

Paul Maholm v. Joe Kelly

Friday, 8:15 (local broadcast)

Kris Medlen v. Adam Wainwright

Saturday, 7:15 (local broadcast)

Julio Teheran v. Shelby Miller (must watch!)

Sunday, 2:15 (TBS)

Brandon Beachy v. Lance Lynn