MLB Game Preview: Pittsburgh Pirates (57-74) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (64-67)

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St. Louis Cardinals logo

Game Details

Time: 7:45 p.m. EDT
Venue: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO

Season Series

The Pirates hold a 5–4 advantage in the season series through nine games and aim to extend that lead in this finale.

Probable Pitchers

TeamStarterW–LERAWHIPStrikeouts
PiratesJohan Oviedo1–04.501.339
CardinalsMichael McGreevy5–24.261.1833

Betting Line: Cardinals −142, Pirates +119; Over/Under 8 runs

Key Players to Watch

  • St. Louis Cardinals
    • Alec Burleson: .285 AVG, 20 doubles, 1 triple, 15 HR
    • Willson Contreras: 10-for-35 (.286) with a double and three homers in his last 10 games
  • Pittsburgh Pirates
  • Andrew McCutchen: .241 AVG, 12 HR, 19 2B, 53 walks this season
  • Bryan Reynolds: veteran slugger, ranks among the majors in extra-base hits and run production
  • Isiah Kiner-Falefa: .265 AVG, team-best batting average, reliable on-base profile

Recent Form

  • Cardinals: 3–7 over last 10, .244 AVG, 6.00 ERA, –12 run differential
  • Pirates: 6–4 over last 10, .260 AVG, 3.21 ERA, +8 run differential

Betting Trends

  • St. Louis is 30–28 (51.7%) this year as a moneyline favorite and 15–12 (55.6%) when laying −136 or shorter.
  • Pittsburgh is 36–53 (40.4%) as an underdog and 22–41 when tagged at +115 or longer.
  • The total has gone over eight runs in 7 of St. Louis’s last 10 games, while Pirates games have cleared the mark in 3 of their last 10 outings.

Game Odds

Pittsburgh Pirates            8

St. Louis Cardinals           – 142

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, August 24, 2025

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MLB Editor
Profile: A dedicated Major League Baseball analyst with a comprehensive understanding of the sport’s strategic, statistical, and developmental layers. This columnist delivers in‑depth coverage that blends advanced metrics, scouting insight, and historical context to illuminate the trends shaping today’s game. Background: With extensive experience following MLB at both the team and league levels, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets, digital platforms, and radio segments focused on roster construction, player evaluation, and organizational philosophy. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to breaking down performance, interpreting data, and tracking long‑term competitive cycles. Signature Coverage Areas: Game previews and pitching‑matchup analysis Advanced statistical breakdowns and sabermetric insights Prospect evaluation, farm‑system trends, and player development Trade‑deadline movement, free‑agency analysis, and front‑office strategy Historical context and postseason features Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex data and tactical nuance into insights that resonate with both traditional fans and analytically minded readers. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the evolving landscape of Major League Baseball.