Date: May 7, 2025
Time: 1:15 PM ET
Venue: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO
Broadcast: Bally Sports Midwest, SportsNet Pittsburgh
Matchup Overview
The Pittsburgh Pirates (12-24) and St. Louis Cardinals (17-19) meet for the final game of their three-game series at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals have won three straight games, while the Pirates are struggling, having lost eight of their last nine.
The season series is currently tied 2-2, making this a pivotal matchup for both teams.
Starting Pitchers
Pittsburgh Pirates – Mitch Keller (1-3, 4.38 ERA, 39 K)
- Last Start: 6 innings, 2 earned runs vs. Milwaukee.
- Season Stats: 4.38 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, .252 opponent batting average.
- Analysis: Keller has been solid but inconsistent, struggling with command at times. He’ll need to limit hard contact against St. Louis’ lineup.
St. Louis Cardinals – Sonny Gray (3-1, 4.12 ERA, 39 K)
- Last Start: 4 1/3 innings, 4 earned runs vs. New York Mets.
- Season Stats: 4.12 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, .252 opponent batting average.
- Analysis: Gray has been effective but vulnerable, allowing nine hits in his last outing. He’ll look to bounce back against a Pirates offense that ranks 27th in MLB in runs scored (117).
Key Players to Watch
Pittsburgh Pirates
- Oneil Cruz – Had a 35-game stolen base streak snapped in Game 1.
- Bryan Reynolds – Batting .268 with six home runs.
- Ke’Bryan Hayes – Provides defensive stability but needs to improve offensively.
St. Louis Cardinals
- Willson Contreras – Batting .455 over his last six games, with three home runs and 10 RBIs.
- Masyn Winn – A rising star, contributing both offensively and defensively.
- Brendan Donovan – A key piece in the Cardinals’ lineup, looking to capitalize against Keller.
Game Storylines & Predictions
1. Can Pittsburgh’s Offense Break Through?
The Pirates rank 27th in MLB in runs scored and 29th in slugging percentage (.335). They’ll need a strong offensive showing to challenge Gray.
2. Cardinals’ Home Advantage
St. Louis has been dominant at home (13-6 record), showing strength at Busch Stadium.
3. Pitching Duel – Keller vs. Gray
Both starters have had inconsistent seasons, making this a potential high-scoring affair.
Game Odds
Pittsburgh Pirates 7.5
St. Louis Cardinals – 180
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, May 6, 2025
