Bodog Beat

Do you have your money on the Cardinals? (AP Images)

Ryan Ludwick and Rick Ankiel are expected to play tonight when the St. Louis Cardinals open a three-game set at AT&T Park against the resurgent San Francisco Giants.

St. Louis, winner of two in a row and seven of nine, took a one-game lead in the division over Milwaukee with Wednesday's 3-2 victory against the Brewers. The Cardinals' pitching has been outstanding during this nine-game stretch, posting an 0.88 ERA.

St. Louis is looking for a spark from its offense, but that could be difficult as it faces Matt Cain in the series opener. Cain is 3-0 with a 1.61 ERA in his last four starts.

The Giants look for their season-best fifth straight victory at home after winning all three against Atlanta.

Joel Pineiro has been moved up a day in the rotation to start for the Cards. He is 0-2 with an 8.10 ERA in two career starts against San Francisco. Get your MLB odds in the Bodog Sportsbook now.