Carlos Martinez is having an outstanding month, but he's now facing a lineup that includes a DH. The Mariners also have hit the second-most homers in the majors and are No. 6 in runs scored.

But the major part of this handicap to the over is journeyman Wade LeBlanc starting for Seattle and the Mariners' train wreck of a bullpen that also has fatigue issues.

The Cardinals are No. 2 in runs scored. They should have no problem putting up their share of runs against LeBlanc, who carries a 21-33 lifetime record with a 4.47 ERA having pitched for five different teams. This is what Seattle general manager Jerry Dipoto was quoted as saying about LeBlanc after acquiring him from Toronto because the Mariners have a cluster injury problem with their starting rotation: "He's 31 years old, he's been out there before. He knows the routine. He might not pitch well, but he won't go out there and panic."

Not exactly a ringing endorsement.