The Cardinals, winners in Friday's opener thanks to a season-best four homers, continue a home series Saturday against the Red Sox. First pitch is set for 6:15 p.m.
Right-hander Miles Mikolas (3-5, 6.19) will take the mound for the Cardinals.
Opponents are hitting .311 against Mikolas, up significantly from last season despite expected statistics that are closer to last season's output.
Mikolas' expected ERA is just 5.15, according to Baseball Savant, better than last season's expected number.
The Red Sox will counter with right-hander Kutter Crawford (2-2, 2.24), who has been one of baseball's most valuable starters this year by Fangraphs wins above replacement value.
Despite a less-than-impressive fastball velocity, three of Crawford's four pitches are ranked among the league's best.
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His exit velocity is toward the top of the league rankings, coinciding with several .
He allowed a season-worst four earned runs in his last outing, but he's permitted one or fewer earned runs in five of his nine starts.
The Red Sox entered the series leading baseball in earned run average, though that was not apparent Friday, when the Cardinals hit a season-high four home runs and tied their season-high with 10 runs, knocking Boston from the top spot.
Offensively challenged early on, Ƶ ranks 11th in baseball in both batting average and OPS in the month of May, led by Alec Burleson (.891 OPS in May) and Lars Nootbaar (.842).
The Cardinals are going with the same lineup Saturday that put up 10 runs vs. Boston on Friday.
The Cardinals are 19-25, fourth in the NL Central and seven games out of first. Ƶ is 4-6 in its last 10 games.
With a win, the Redbirds would claim a home series win for the first time since April 22-24. It would also mark the team's first time winning two straight series since late April.
The Red Sox are 22-23, fourth in the AL East and 3-7 in their last 10 games.
Boston hadn't allowed seven or more runs in 16 straight games until permitting seven vs. the Rays on Thursday then 10 to the Cardinals on Friday.
Lineups
CARDINALS
1. Brendan Donovan, LF
2. Lars Nootbaar, RF
3. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
4. Nolan Arenado, 3B
5. Alec Burleson, DH
6. Iván Herrera, C
7. Nolan Gorman, 2B
8. Masyn Winn, SS
9. Michael Siani, CF
P: Miles Mikolas, RHP
RED SOX
1. Jarren Duran, LF
2. Wilyer Abreu, RF
3. Connor Wong, C
4. Rafael Devers, 3B
5. Tyler O'Neill, DH
6. Dominic Smith, 1B
7. Vaughn Grissom, 2B
8. David Hamilton, SS
9. Ceddanne Rafaela, CF
P: Kutter Crawford, RHP
Injury report
Keynan Middleton (forearm strain): Right-hander will continue his minor-league rehab stint with an outing Sunday at Double-A Springfield then back-to-back outings Wednesday and Thursday. A decision on his activation could then come Friday. Middleton has been on the 15-day IL with a forearm flexor strain since the start of the season. Updated May 18
Willson Contreras (broken forearm): Contreras had surgery to put a plate in his forearm and aid the healing of a fractured ulna bone. The injury happened May 7 when Mets designated hitter J. D. Martinez took a swing and his bat dropped down and hard into Contreras’ forearm. Contreras is expected to miss at least 10 weeks as the bone heals and he rebuilds arm strength. Updated May 13
Giovanny Gallegos (right shoulder impingement): Gallegos threw a bullen session Friday, his second since going on the IL. The next step has not been determined. The righty went on the the 15-day injured list May 6, a day after manager Oliver Marmol said he "doesn't look right." He has been ineffective this season and his fastball velocity has dropped into the low-90s. Updated May 18
Packy Naughton (flexor tendon surgery): Lefty began his rehab assignment officially Tuesday with an assignment to the Cardinals' Florida Complex League team. He will advance through the minors on his way toward Class AAA Memphis with these games mimicking a spring training schedule. Updated May 14
Steven Matz (lower back stiffness): The lefty went on the 15-day injured list on May 3 with a lower back injury. Matz's bullpen session planned for Monday was scratched due to lingering discomfort Matz felt after playing catch. He received an anti-inflammatory shot on Monday and will not be cleared to throw for at least another seven days. Matz began experiencing soreness following a start, and during his start April 30 he had a sag in velocity and effectiveness. Updated May 13
Tommy Edman (wrist surgery): On the 10-day IL, Edman started flip/soft toss Monday and has continued to hit from both sides of the plate without limitations or the setbacks he experienced during spring training. Edman is building up strength. His hitting progression will be per usual (coach pitch, then a pitching machine) as tolerated. On May 6, he was moved to the 60-day IL. Updated May 13
Riley O'Brien (flexor tendon): Placed on the 15-day injured list on March 31 retroactive to March 29, O'Brien's right arm tightened up after his opening day appearance. The initial diagnosis is strain of the flexor tendon; scans showed no structural damage. He began his throwing progression April 23. On May 10, he was transferred to the 60-day IL. Updated May 10
Drew Rom (biceps tendinitis): He is likely to have shoulder surgery in the near future after going to Texas for a consultation with a specialist. The lefty had his rehab an injury that took place late in spring training stalled in recent weeks by persisting discomfort and weakness. Rom was added to the 60-day injured list on April 30, suggesting the club expects an extended absence. Updated May 1