The Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals are set to open a three-game series on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. First pitch is scheduled for 8:15 PM ET. This matchup features two National League Central rivals with contrasting starts to the season, making it a pivotal contest for both teams.
Team Overview:
Milwaukee Brewers:
The Brewers enter the game with a 13-12 record, sitting in second place in the NL Central. Milwaukee has been inconsistent recently, losing their last two games and only managing one win in their recent four-game series against the San Francisco Giants. Offensively, the Brewers rank 10th in MLB with 205 total hits and a .244 team batting average. However, their power numbers are middle-of-the-pack, ranking 16th in home runs with 25. On the mound, Chad Patrick will start for Milwaukee. Patrick has a 1-1 record with a 4.50 ERA over 20 innings pitched this season. His ability to limit walks and keep the ball in the park will be crucial against a Cardinals lineup that thrives on timely hitting.
St. Louis Cardinals:
The Cardinals have struggled to start the season, holding a 10-15 record and sitting near the bottom of the NL Central. St. Louis has lost six of their last seven games, including tough series against the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves. Despite their struggles, the Cardinals have shown flashes of offensive potential, ranking 20th in MLB with 23 home runs. Brendan Donovan and Lars Nootbaar have been key contributors, with Nootbaar leading the team in home runs and RBIs. On the mound, Matthew Liberatore will start for St. Louis. Liberatore has a 1-2 record with a 3.60 ERA and 24 strikeouts over 25 2/3 innings pitched. He has been a bright spot in the Cardinals’ rotation and will look to build on his recent strong outings.
Key Players to Watch:
Milwaukee Brewers:
- Jackson Chourio: The young outfielder has been a consistent presence in the lineup, providing timely hits and solid defense.
- Brice Turang: The infielder leads the team with a .346 batting average and has been a spark at the top of the order.
- Chad Patrick: The right-hander will need to deliver a strong performance to keep the Brewers competitive against St. Louis’ lineup.
St. Louis Cardinals:
- Brendan Donovan: The infielder leads the team with a .356 batting average and has been a reliable offensive contributor.
- Lars Nootbaar: The outfielder has shown power at the plate, leading the team with four home runs and 14 RBIs.
- Matthew Liberatore: The left-hander has been effective this season, and his ability to go deep into games will be key for the Cardinals.
Matchup Analysis:
Pitching:
The Cardinals hold a slight edge on the mound with Liberatore’s consistency. Patrick has been serviceable for Milwaukee but will need to elevate his game to match Liberatore’s level.
Offense:
Both teams have struggled with consistency at the plate, but Milwaukee’s higher batting average and ability to generate hits give them a slight advantage. St. Louis will need their power hitters to step up and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Defense:
Both teams have been solid defensively, but the Cardinals’ pitching staff has put additional pressure on their fielders. The Brewers will need to support Patrick with strong defensive play to stay competitive.
Game Odds
Milwaukee Brewers 8
St. Louis Cardinals – 130
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 24, 2025
