The NL Wild Card race is tighter than ever with six team within two games of the top second spot. Wild card leader San Diego send one of their best, Jake Peavy, against Bronson Arroyo in Cincinnati. Their ERAs are 2.3 runs apart, and their records are the exact opposite as Peavy brings twelve wins and five losses against Arroyo's five wins and twelve losses. Arroyo's been hurt by support this year, however. He's made ten quality starts and nine Game Score QS that he lost or received a no decision. As he showed last time out against the Dodgers, he's perfectly capable of defeating contenders. Peavy, despite working half his games in a great pitcher's park, sports a 6-0 record and a 0.89 ERA on the road. He's allowed one run or less in eight of his nine road starts.

The Dodgers try once again to get their offense back up to speed as they face the Cardinals' Anthony Reyes. Reyes held the Padres to one run in his last outing, but ran his record to 1-11 as the Padres pitched a shutout. That probably won't happen with Mark Hendrickson on the mound for LA as he's allowed a .299 batting average with runners in scoring position.

The Rockies and Cubs break the tie between the two clubs this afternoon as Sean Marshall takes on Tim Harikkala, making his first appearance of 2007. Harikkala's been in and out of baseball for twelve years, but had his best season with Colorado in 2004. Marshall owns a good 3.38 road ERA this season, but that hasn't included Coors.

Wrapping up the NL Wild Card, the Phillies and Braves wrap up their three game series on ESPN, the victor winning second place in the NL East. Buddy Carlyle faces Jamie Moyer. Carlyle showed great control this season, walking just 17 in 75 2/3 innings. Moyer really turns on the control at home where homers are more likely to occur. His OBA allowed is 50 points lower in Philadelphia this season.

Enjoy!