Cardinals, Astros Set for Sunday Rubber Match Amid Rain Forecast

HOUSTON (Interstat) — The St. Louis Cardinals will look to secure a series victory when they conclude a three-game set against the Houston Astros on Sunday afternoon at Daikin Park, though rain in the forecast could complicate the finale.

First pitch is scheduled for the evening, with a 79-degree temperature expected alongside rain.

The Cardinals (11-8) have taken the first two games of the series, including a 9-4 win Friday powered by Iván Herrera’s three-RBI performance. St. Louis will send right-hander Mike Burrows (1-3, season) to the mound. Matthew Liberatore was also listed as a probable pitcher.

Houston (8-13), seeking to avoid a sweep, will counter with right-hander Peter Lambert. Lambert took the loss Friday, allowing four earned runs over five innings despite striking out eight.

A player to watch for St. Louis is Herrera. The designated hitter is 3 for 8 with two home runs and four RBIs in the series so far. For Houston, Yordan Alvarez, who homered Friday, remains a constant threat.

Despite their early-season struggles and being outscored 13-5 in this series, the Astros have been installed as a pregame favorite with a spread of -1.5. The over/under is 8.5. However, Interstat’s game simulator projects a 6-2 Cardinals victory.

The Cardinals have won four of their last five games. After Sunday, they head to Miami for a three-game series starting Monday.

The Astros, who have lost seven of their last ten, open a road trip in Cleveland on Monday.