MLB Game Preview: St. Louis Cardinals (31-24) vs. Baltimore Orioles (19-35)

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Baltimore Orioles logo

Game Overview

The series is currently tied 1-1, with the Orioles winning Game 1 (5-2) and the Cardinals bouncing back with a 7-4 victory in Game 2. St. Louis has been hot recently, winning four of their last five games, while Baltimore is looking to recover after having their three-game winning streak snapped.

Starting Pitchers

TeamPitcherRecordERAWHIPStrikeouts
CardinalsMiles Mikolas (RHP)4-23.511.1244
OriolesCade Povich (LHP)1-34.861.3046

Mikolas has been consistent, helping the Cardinals win five straight games when he starts. Povich, meanwhile, has struggled, with Baltimore losing three consecutive games when he’s on the mound.

Team Comparisons

CategoryCardinalsOrioles
Record31-2419-35
Runs Per Game4.33.9
Batting Average.261.236
Home Runs4960
ERA3.715.76
Bullpen ERA3.175.76

The Cardinals have been strong offensively, ranking third in MLB in batting average (.261), while Baltimore has struggled with pitching, ranking 24th in strikeouts per nine innings (7.9 K/9).

Key Players to Watch

St. Louis Cardinals

  • Brendan Donovan (INF) – Leads the team with a .328 batting average, 18 doubles, and three home runs.
  • Lars Nootbaar (OF) – 8 HR, 5 RBI in his last 10 games, providing power.
  • Nolan Arenado (3B) – 6 HR, 10 doubles, 18 walks, key contributor.

Baltimore Orioles

  • Ryan O’Hearn (OF) – Team-best .340 batting average, 9 HR, 21 RBI.
  • Cedric Mullins (OF) – 10 HR, 31 RBI, leading Baltimore’s offense.
  • Gunnar Henderson (SS) – 7 HR, 10 doubles, providing middle-of-the-order power.

Matchup Breakdown

  • Cardinals’ Offense vs. Orioles’ Pitching – St. Louis ranks third in batting average, while Baltimore’s pitching staff has struggled.
  • Orioles’ Power vs. Cardinals’ Defense – Baltimore ranks 10th in MLB in home runs (60), but St. Louis has a top-15 pitching staff.
  • Bullpen Battle – The Cardinals’ bullpen has been strong (3.17 ERA), while Baltimore’s relievers have struggled.

Game Odds

St. Louis Cardinals           8.5

Baltimore Orioles            – 122

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, May 27, 2025