The Detroit Tigers and St. Louis Cardinals square off Monday night at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, kicking off a three-game series. Both teams enter the matchup in strong form, with Detroit leading the AL Central and St. Louis surging in the NL Central.
Detroit Tigers (31-16)
The Tigers have been one of the biggest surprises of the season, boasting the best record in the American League. They are coming off a 3-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, extending their recent run to 5-1 in their last six games.
Detroit’s offense has been powered by Spencer Torkelson, who leads the team with 12 home runs and 38 RBIs. Riley Greene has also been a key contributor, batting .275 with 11 home runs. The Tigers’ lineup has been efficient, ranking sixth in MLB in team on-base percentage (.333).
On the mound, Keider Montero (1-1, 4.68 ERA) is expected to start for Detroit. Montero has been filling in for Casey Mize, who remains on the injured list. The Tigers’ bullpen has been a strength, and they will look to support Montero against a dangerous Cardinals lineup.
St. Louis Cardinals (26-21)
The Cardinals have been red-hot, winning 12 of their last 14 games. They are coming off a 2-1 loss to the Kansas City Royals but have outscored opponents 74-32 during their recent stretch.
St. Louis’ offense has been led by Brendan Donovan, who is hitting .330 and coming off a four-hit performance in his last game. Lars Nootbaar has provided power, tallying seven home runs and 24 RBIs. The Cardinals rank 10th in the NL in total home runs (45).
Veteran Sonny Gray (4-1, 4.50 ERA) will take the mound for St. Louis. Gray has a 4-2 career record against Detroit with a 2.68 ERA. He struggled in his last outing, allowing seven runs in 3.2 innings against the Phillies, but has been solid at home with a 3.57 ERA.
Key Matchups
- Spencer Torkelson vs. Sonny Gray – Torkelson has been Detroit’s most dangerous hitter, and Gray will need to keep him off balance.
- Brendan Donovan vs. Tigers’ bullpen – Donovan’s ability to get on base could be a major factor in late-game situations.
- Keider Montero vs. Cardinals’ lineup – Montero will need to limit damage against a St. Louis offense that has been clicking.
Game Outlook
Detroit has been the more consistent team this season, but St. Louis’ recent hot streak makes this a compelling matchup. If Gray can bounce back from his last outing, the Cardinals have a strong chance to take the opener. However, Detroit’s offense has been relentless, and if Montero can provide a solid start, the Tigers could extend their winning ways.
Game Odds
Detroit Tigers 8
St. Louis Cardinals – 162
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, May 18, 2025
