Diamondbacks vs Cardinals Preview: Pitching Sparks Week 65 Showdown

Andre Pallante takes the mound for St. Louis, and this guy is dealing right now. The 26-year-old righty sits at 3-0 with a 2.00 ERA and a microscopic 0.83 WHIP—meaning runners barely get on base against him. You're watching one of the Cardinals' brightest young pitchers prove he belongs in the big moments. Meanwhile, Arizona sends Merrill Kelly, a 36-year-old veteran with plenty of playoff experience. Kelly's struggling this season with an 8.39 ERA, but don't sleep on his grit. This pitching matchup tells the whole story: St. Louis betting on youth and talent, Arizona leaning on experience and toughness.

The Diamondbacks are banged up heading into this game. Star outfielder Jordan Lawlar landed on the injured list with a right hamstring strain. Closer Kevin Ginkel and pitcher Ryne Nelson are also down. Even catcher James McCann is still healing from a quadriceps strain. This is rough timing for Arizona. The team needs healthy bodies if it wants to climb back into the playoff race. St. Louis is healthier and ready to pounce. When one team is dealing with injuries and the other isn't, that's a huge advantage sitting in the dugout.

The Cardinals just won their last game and sit at 41-34. That's a strong record, and St. Louis smells playoff baseball. At home in Busch Stadium, this team is comfortable and confident. Arizona comes in at 39-38 and just lost two straight games. The Diamondbacks need this win badly to stay in the hunt. When you're playing at home, fresh off a victory, against a struggling road team—that's the moment great teams capitalize. Watch for St. Louis to jump early and set the tone. The Cardinals' young arms have momentum. Arizona has desperation. Momentum usually wins.