Looper(5-2) vs Sonnanstine(5-1)
Then,
Wainwright(3-2) vs Garza(2-1)
Lohse(3-2) vs Jackson(2-3)
Lohse's start is in question due to a sore throwing shoulder. Mike Parisi would replace him in the rotation for his Sunday start.
Tonight's Matchup:
Scouting Report:
Rays: Sonnanstine had picked up wins in four consecutive starts prior to Sunday's outing against the Angels, when he allowed five runs on eight hits while walking two to take a no-decision. Sonnanstine's best pitch is the slider, but in order for him to pitch well, he needs to locate his fastball to set up the vast array of pitches he throws from all different angles. He is 3-0 with a 4.05 ERA in three road starts this season. This will be his first career start against the Cardinals.
Cardinals: Looper skipped his side session after working 8 1/3 innings in the thin Colorado air the start before, but he said he felt physically fine when he allowed four runs in six innings against Milwaukee. He struggled keeping the ball down, and Ryan Braun took advantage by smacking two home runs in the Cardinals' 5-3 loss. Looper only walked one and hit another batter -- but both of those scored in the first inning to spot the Brewers an early lead.