Cardinals vs Brewers Game 2 Odds 2011 NLCS Picks: If the 2011 National League Championship Series opener was any indication, we are in for a wild best-of-five ride in Game 2 between the (0-1) St. Louis Cardinals [+127] and the (1-0) Milwaukee Brewers [-137]. After falling behind 5-2, the Brew Crew came storming back with a dominant, 6-run fifth inning to put an end to any hopes the Cards had of taking home-field advantage. This game gets underway this evening at 8:10 PM ET on TBS.
Looking to take a 2-0 lead, Milwaukee skipper Ron Roenicke will send RHP Shaun Marcum (2011 NLDS: 0-1, 13.50 ERA) to the mound to battle Tony LaRussa’s choice for Game 2, RHP Edwin Jackson (2011 NLDS: 1-0, 3.00 ERA). The OVER/UNDER for this game is set at a combined total of 8½ runs scored.
As you may have seen by now, MLB Betting Odds makers are going out on a limb, listing the Brewers as the sports betting odds favorites to win the 2011 World Series. Another odd on the Brewers favor is the fact that 16 of the last 19 teams that have won game 1 of the NLCS’s has moved on to play in the Fall Classic.
Having that said, winning Game 2 over Jackson and the red birds will be easier said than done. Considering the fact that Marcum didn’t exactly pitch well at home this season, makes this game even that much more interesting. It seems as though Marcum ran out of gas towards end the season, after he was one of the main components to the Brew Crew’s hot start in 2011.
“I don't think the last whatever games were as bad as what people think they are,” Roenicke said. “It's been a bad pitch that's been a three-run homer or grand slam, but I don't think it's been as bad as if you look at all the hits that he's given up, there are more cheap hits given up from him than anybody else. He may give up a jam shot for a base hit, a ground ball for a base hit, and all of a sudden, he'll make a mistake and somebody will hit a home run.”
If I liked the Cardinals in Game 1, I really like them in Game 2 at +1.5 with the hard-throwing Jackson on the mound. Not only was he solid in his only start against the Phillies in the 2011 NLDS — going 6.2 IP, allowing just 5 hits and 2 runs — but he also recorded two quality outings against Milwaukee during the regular season.
They say great players have short memories. Jackson believes that, as he only remembers the two good starts against Milwaukee. In his mind, the one blemish he had against Milwaukee has been blocked out his mind. To him, it’s like it didn’t even happen… Get $50 in Free MLB Picks Here!
"What start?" Jackson said when asked about surrendering 8 runs in seven innings. "It's that simple. I'm a competitor. I mean, I can take my beatings and I can handle that. It's not my first one, and it probably won't be my last. I feel good and I feel strong. And I continue to challenge hitters, regardless of what the score is."
