Fan Predicts Outcome of Cardinals Home Opener

Editor's Note: The Cardinals' home opener against the Chicago Cubs is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. Friday, weather permitting.

The Cardinals finally fly back home after a 5-2 road trip. The Cardinal Fan's are not only happy with the new "jump start" Cardinals, they are excited to have them back home. The home opener starts tomorrow at 2:15. Gates open up at 11:30 am. Friday's matchup includes Adam Wainwright against Jeff Samardzija. The Cubs are currently 2 and 5, so I predict a Cardinals win. With Lance Berkman out for the next three days Matt Carpenter and Daniel Descalso will be filling in at first base. Friday's lineup should look like this:

Rafael Fucal (ss)

Carlos Beltran (rf)

Matt Holliday (lf)

Matt Carpenter (1B)

David Freese (3B)

Yadier Molina (c)

Jon Jay (cf)

Daniel Descalso (2B)

Adam Wainwright (p)

Friday's National Anthem will be sang by Shannon Magrane, the daughter to former St.Louis Cardnal pitcher Joe Magrane.

Fans will help celebrate the franchise’s 11 World Championships and kick off the 2012 season with the annual Ford motorcade player parade around the warning track, appearances from Cardinals Hall of Famers, and the Budweiser Clydesdales. Missouri Governor Jeremiah “Jay” Nixon, St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley and St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay will also be on hand for the festivities.

Additional ceremony highlights include an American Bald Eagle flight, courtesy of the World Bird Sanctuary of St. Louis, Air Force F16 flyover and the Marine Corps Color Guard. The team will also display the last 4 World Series trophies in a presentation including former Cardinal skipper, Tony La Russa and pitching coach Dave Duncan.

I hope to ride the sea of Cardinal Red at Friday's game. Bring me home a winner!