Pirates Vs. Cardinals

Game Info: Wednesday, July 24, 2024, 6:40 AM EST, PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Pirates (+120) | Cardinals (-135)
• Run Line: Pirates (+1.5, -180) | Cardinals (-1.5, +160)
• Over/Under: 8 runs (Over -110/Under -110)

Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Preview

The Pirates, (42-48) are hovering just outside of National League East contention. But for their sub -.500 record, the Pirates-Cardinals game offers a chance to gain significant ground. Several important variables will determine how they will win.

The offensive line for Pittsburgh has fluctuated greatly this year. Oneil Cruz, (.278 AVG, 18 HR) while the rest of the lineup has produced unevenly, has shown promise as a legitimate power threat. A breakthrough performance by Bryan Reynolds (. 241 AVG, 12 HR) is well overdue and a solid performance against the pitching staff of the Cardinals could ignite a desperately needed offensive eruption. The Pirates’ inability to get timely hits with runners in scoring position has been a problem for them all season.

The Pirates’ pen will most likely start with Mitch Keller (5-7 4.22 ERA). Even though Keller has a powerful fastball, he occasionally has control issues. The bullpen has improved recently which is a positive development after it was a weak point for most of the year. If Keller can limit walks and play well into the game, he can keep the Pirates in this one. But navigating the Cardinals dangerous lineup will be a difficult test for him.

St. Louis Cardinals Betting Preview

The National League Central leaders, the Cardinals (52-38) are in a comfortable lead. The Pirates vs. Cardinals game is too important for them to ignore though. They can send a message to the rest of the league and maintain their divisional lead with a strong performance in Pittsburgh.

Because of their strong blend of power and on-base abilities, the Cardinals offense runs like well-oiled machinery. Thanks to Paul Goldschmidt (.338 AVG, 25 HR) and Nolan Arenado (.292 AVG, 22 HR) – pitchers who face them continue to have nightmares. The supporting cast included Lars Nootbaar, (.267 AVG, 15 HR) as well as Tommy Edman, (281 AVG 32 SB) provides constant pressure on the base paths. Seizing scoring opportunities and exploiting holes in the Pirates pitching staff will be key components of the Cardinals success.

Miles Mikolas (8-4, 3.89 ERA) is most likely the Cardinals’ starter Mikolas is a veteran with skill who is excellent at making weak contact despite his lack of strength. With a 2. 98 ERA that leads the league, the Cardinals bullpen is led by the dominant Giovanny Gallegos. At least when it comes to pitching, the Cardinals have the upper hand against the Pirates.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Cardinals have defeated the Pirates in 7 out of the previous 10 meetings.
• PNC Park has historically been a tough place for the Cardinals to hit with an average of just 4. 2 runs per game in their last 10 visits. If the Pirates pitching continues to be solid, this trend may continue to favor them.
• This season, the Pirates are 22-28 at home and the Cardinals are 28-14 away from home. Given their prior road success, the Cardinals could feel comfortable in this environment.
• Both teams are in the bottom half of the league in terms of strikeouts, so the odds are favorable for a high-scoring contest. Depending on the night, the team with superior offensive play may benefit from this.

Pittsburgh Pirates at  St. Louis Cardinals Prediction

This game is a classic matchup between an experienced competitor and a young competitive team. The Pirates are keen to win and have the advantage of playing at home. But it’s difficult to ignore the Cardinals superior pitching staff and offensive firepower.

Prediction: Cardinals (-135)

The Cardinals’ combination of skill and experience should be enough to win, even though the Pirates might put up a fight. Nevertheless, the proposition of an over/under of eight runs appears intriguing. Although both sides can score runs, the pitching matchup favors a lower scoring game. We lean slightly in favor of the under due to Mikolas ability to manage the game and PNC Park’s capacity to stifle offense.

There will be playoff implications for both teams in this exciting Pirates at Cardinals game. The Pirates could pull off an upset, but they’ll need Keller to have a great game and their offense to have a breakthrough effort. However, given their balanced roster and recent performance against the Pirates, the Cardinals are the overwhelming favorites. Baseball is a game of streaks and momentum, and whichever team seizes the moment could win a vital game. This matchup serves as a reminder of that.