The Houston Astros (7-8) and the St. Louis Cardinals (7-8) are set to face off in the first game of a three-game series on Monday, April 14, 2025, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. Both teams are looking to gain momentum after inconsistent starts to the season, making this interleague matchup an intriguing contest.
Team Overview
Houston Astros
The Astros enter this game with a 7-8 record, coming off a series loss to the Los Angeles Angels. Despite their struggles, Houston has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly on the mound, where their pitching staff ranks eighth in the American League with a 3.70 team ERA. The Astros have been solid on the road, with a 3-3 record away from Minute Maid Park.
Key players for the Astros include:
- Jose Altuve: Batting .302 with three home runs, Altuve continues to be a reliable presence at the top of the lineup.
- Isaac Paredes: Hitting .310 with three home runs and 10 RBIs over the last 10 games, Paredes has been a key contributor.
- Yordan Alvarez: Providing power in the middle of the lineup, Alvarez has hit four home runs and driven in 12 RBIs this season.
Starting pitcher Framber Valdez (1-1, 2.50 ERA) will take the mound for Houston. Valdez has been excellent in his first three starts, allowing a .161 opponent batting average and striking out 21 batters in 18 2/3 innings pitched. He is coming off a dominant outing against the Seattle Mariners, where he threw six scoreless innings.
St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals also hold a 7-8 record, having split their last 10 games. They are coming off a series loss to the Philadelphia Phillies but have been strong at home, with a 6-3 record at Busch Stadium. St. Louis boasts one of the league’s best offenses, ranking second in the National League with a .280 team batting average.
Key players for the Cardinals include:
- Brendan Donovan: Leading the team with a .350 batting average, two home runs, and 10 RBIs, Donovan has been a standout performer.
- Willson Contreras: Batting .278 with three doubles and seven RBIs, Contreras provides veteran leadership behind the plate.
- Nolan Arenado: A consistent force in the lineup, Arenado has contributed three home runs and 12 RBIs this season.
Starting pitcher Sonny Gray (2-0, 4.50 ERA) will get the nod for St. Louis. Gray has been effective in his first three starts, with a 0.87 WHIP and 15 strikeouts in 18 innings pitched. He is coming off a solid outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he allowed just one run over five innings.
Key Matchup Factors
- Pitching Duel: Valdez and Gray have both been in strong form, making this a key battle on the mound.
- Astros’ Road Performance: Houston’s ability to perform on the road will be tested against a Cardinals team that thrives at home.
- Offensive Firepower: St. Louis’ high batting average and Houston’s power hitters set the stage for an exciting offensive showdown.
Recent Form
- Houston Astros: 5-5 in their last 10 games, averaging 4.1 runs per game while allowing 4.0 runs per game.
- St. Louis Cardinals: 4-6 in their last 10 games, averaging 4.5 runs per game while conceding 5.2 runs per game.
Houston Astros 7.5
St Louis Cardinals – 112
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, April 13, 2025
