St. Louis at Pittsburgh

St. Louis opens the season with a 34-year old pitcher who threw just 28 innings last season because of an injury. Adam Wainwright is back, but didn't dazzle in the spring, allowing 19 hits and 8 runs in 15 innings. They face a Pittsburgh Pirates team that won 98 games last year, blowing past its Vegas projection of 85.5. This offense is strong behind Andrew McCutchen, finishing last year #11 in runs scored and #9 in on-base percentage and batting average. Lefty Francisco Liriano is off a strong season (12-7, 3.38 ERA), and the Pirates are 19-7 in his last 26 starts. It will mark Liriano's third straight Opening Day start. The last three years he is 14-10 at home, as well as winning record against St. Louis with 2.58 ERA in 39+ innings. The Cardinals have hit just .192 off him over those three years. The Pirates are also 46-22 against a right-handed starter, as well as 65-28 at home vs. a right-handed starter. Play Pittsburgh.