Date: May 6, 2025
Time: 7:45 PM ET
Venue: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO
Broadcast: SportsNet Pittsburgh, Bally Sports Midwest
Matchup Overview
The Pittsburgh Pirates (12-23) and St. Louis Cardinals (16-19) meet in the second game of their three-game series at Busch Stadium. The Pirates are looking to bounce back after a 1-5 homestand, while the Cardinals aim to build momentum following a strong pitching performance in Game 1.
Pittsburgh has struggled offensively, ranking 28th in MLB in home runs (25) and 29th in slugging percentage (.335). Meanwhile, St. Louis boasts a top-five team batting average (.259) and ranks 11th in slugging percentage (.396).
Starting Pitchers
Pittsburgh Pirates – Paul Skenes (3-3, 2.74 ERA, 41 K)
- Last Start: 5.0 IP, 3 ER, 5 H vs. Chicago Cubs.
- Career vs. Cardinals: 1 start, 6.0 IP, 7.50 ERA.
- Analysis: Skenes has been solid, averaging six innings per start and holding opponents to a .199 batting average. However, he struggled against St. Louis earlier this season, allowing five earned runs in a loss.
St. Louis Cardinals – Matthew Liberatore (2-3, 4.29 ERA, 22 K)
- Last Start: 3.0 IP, 2 ER vs. Milwaukee (shortened by rain).
- Career vs. Pirates: 1-1, 3.86 ERA in three starts.
- Analysis: Liberatore has pitched six or more innings in every start this season except his last, which was cut short due to weather.
Key Players to Watch
Pittsburgh Pirates
- Oneil Cruz – Leads the team with eight home runs and 18 RBIs.
- Andrew McCutchen – Batting .263 with three home runs and 13 walks.
- Ke’Bryan Hayes – Provides defensive stability but needs to improve offensively.
St. Louis Cardinals
- Masyn Winn – A rising star, contributing both offensively and defensively.
- Brendan Donovan – A key piece in the Cardinals’ lineup, looking to capitalize against Skenes.
- Miles Mikolas – Has gone 32 innings without allowing a home run, showcasing his control.
Game Storylines & Predictions
1. Can Skenes Handle St. Louis’ Offense?
The Cardinals rank fourth in MLB in batting average and have been effective at generating runs. If Skenes struggles early, Pittsburgh could be in trouble.
2. Pirates’ Offensive Struggles
Pittsburgh has been inconsistent at the plate, ranking near the bottom in multiple offensive categories. If Cruz and McCutchen don’t step up, the Pirates may struggle to score.
3. Cardinals’ Home Advantage
St. Louis has historically performed well at Busch Stadium, and with Liberatore on the mound, they could control the pace early.
Game Odds
Pittsburgh Pirates – 122
St. Louis Cardinals 7
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, May 5, 2025
