Game Details
- Matchup: Detroit Tigers (32-17) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (27-22)
- Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
- Time: 12:15 PM ET
- Venue: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO
- TV Broadcast: Bally Sports Detroit, Bally Sports Midwest
Team Overview & Recent Performance
Detroit Tigers
The Tigers have been one of the strongest teams in the American League, sitting atop the AL Central. They bounced back from a 4-11 loss in Game 1 of the series with a 5-4 victory on Tuesday, thanks to a clutch Riley Greene RBI double in the ninth inning. Detroit has been 18-4 in games where they did not allow a home run, showing their ability to control opposing offenses.
Offensively, Riley Greene has been a standout performer, ranking second on the team with 22 extra-base hits (10 doubles, 12 home runs). Javier Báez has also been heating up, tallying three home runs and 10 RBIs over his last 10 games.
St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals have been one of the best home teams in MLB, boasting a 16-7 record at Busch Stadium. They have won seven of their last 10 games, outscoring opponents by 27 runs during that stretch. St. Louis hitters have a .336 on-base percentage, ranking fourth in MLB.
Lars Nootbaar leads the Cardinals with seven home runs, while Alec Burleson has been red-hot, going 11-for-29 with four home runs and 10 RBIs over his last 10 games.
Starting Pitchers
Detroit Tigers: Brant Hurter (4-1, 3.45 ERA)
Hurter has been solid, keeping hitters off balance with his mix of fastballs and breaking pitches. He’ll look to build on his recent success and keep the Cardinals’ offense in check.
St. Louis Cardinals: Andre Pallante (3-2, 4.12 ERA)
Pallante has been effective but inconsistent, struggling with command at times. He’ll need to limit walks and keep Detroit’s power hitters from capitalizing on mistakes.
Key Matchups
Riley Greene vs. Cardinals’ Pitching
Greene has been Detroit’s most clutch hitter, and his ability to drive in runs late in games could be a deciding factor.
Alec Burleson vs. Tigers’ Pitching
Burleson has been on fire, and if he continues his hot streak, he could be a major problem for Detroit’s pitching staff.
Bullpen Battle
Detroit’s bullpen has been strong in late-game situations, while St. Louis has relied on its starters to go deep into games. If this one is close late, the Tigers may have the edge.
Both teams are playing well, but the Cardinals’ home-field advantage and recent offensive surge give them a slight edge. Expect a tight, competitive game, with the Tigers looking to steal the series win.
Game Odds
Detroit Tigers 8.5
St. Louis Cardinals – 118
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, May 20, 2025
