The Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals are set to face off in the second game of their three-game series on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. First pitch is scheduled for 2:15 PM ET, and the game will be broadcast on regional sports networks and MLB.tv. Both teams are looking to gain momentum in this early-season National League Central matchup.
Team Overview:
Milwaukee Brewers (13-14, 3rd in NL Central):
The Brewers enter this game on a three-game losing streak, including a narrow 3-2 loss to the Cardinals in the series opener. Despite their struggles, Milwaukee has shown flashes of promise, particularly in their ability to out-hit opponents, which they’ve done in 11 of their 13 wins this season. The Brewers’ offense has been led by Rhys Hoskins, who is hitting .455 over his last 10 games with three home runs and eight RBIs. However, their road record of 4-10 highlights their challenges away from home.
St. Louis Cardinals (11-15, 4th in NL Central):
The Cardinals snapped a losing streak with their victory in Game 1, improving their home record to 9-4. Brendan Donovan has been a key contributor, with seven doubles, three home runs, and 14 RBIs this season. Lars Nootbaar has also provided timely hitting, with two home runs and eight RBIs over his last 10 games. St. Louis will look to build on their strong performance in the opener and continue climbing the NL Central standings.
Probable Pitchers:
Milwaukee Brewers:
- Quinn Priester (1-0, 1.93 ERA): Priester has been impressive in limited action this season, allowing just two earned runs over 4 innings in his last appearance. This will be his first career start against the Cardinals, and he’ll need to navigate a lineup that has been effective at home.
St. Louis Cardinals:
- Sonny Gray (3-0, 3.41 ERA): Gray has been a standout in the Cardinals’ rotation, with 29 strikeouts across 5 starts. He has also allowed just five home runs this season, showcasing his ability to limit damage. Gray’s experience and form make him a key factor in this matchup.
Key Players to Watch:
Milwaukee Brewers:
- Rhys Hoskins: Hoskins has been red-hot, hitting .455 over his last 10 games with three home runs and eight RBIs.
- Brice Turang: Turang has shown versatility, contributing three home runs and 14 RBIs while hitting .333 this season.
- Christian Yelich: The former MVP remains a key figure in Milwaukee’s lineup, providing leadership and offensive production.
St. Louis Cardinals:
- Brendan Donovan: Donovan’s ability to deliver in clutch situations makes him a player to watch.
- Lars Nootbaar: Nootbaar’s recent form adds depth to the Cardinals’ offense.
- Nolan Arenado: The perennial All-Star is always a threat at the plate and a defensive anchor at third base.
Matchup Analysis:
Offense vs. Pitching:
The Brewers will need to find ways to generate offense against Sonny Gray, who has been dominant this season. Conversely, the Cardinals will look to capitalize on Quinn Priester’s inexperience and exploit any mistakes.
Momentum:
St. Louis enters this game with confidence after their Game 1 victory, while Milwaukee will aim to bounce back and avoid extending their losing streak.
Defense and Bullpen:
Both teams have solid defensive units, but the Cardinals’ bullpen showed resilience in Game 1, shutting down Milwaukee’s offense in the late innings. The Brewers will need their relievers to step up and provide support for Priester.
Game Odds
Milwaukee Brewers 7.5
St. Louis Cardinals – 155
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 25, 2025
