The Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals clash in the second game of their three-game series at Busch Stadium. This matchup is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. ET on Wednesday. Currently, the Pirates hold a record of 24 wins and 24 losses, while the Cardinals boast a stronger 28 wins and 19 losses.
Pirates vs. Cardinals: Season Overview
The Cardinals have dominated this season’s matchup, leading the season series 5-0. Their recent victory was a 9-6 triumph at home, bolstered by a dramatic walk-off three-run home run from designated hitter Ivan Herrera.
Pittsburgh is struggling, having lost their last four games and seven of their last ten. JJ Wetherholt contributed significantly in the last game, going 2 for 4 with a two-run home run. However, the Pirates left 11 runners on base during that game, a statistic that reflects their ongoing offensive struggles.
Starting Pitchers
- Carmen Mlodzinski (Pirates)
- Record: 3-3
- ERA: 4.40
- WHIP: 1.444
- Recent Start: 5 innings, 2 earned runs, 4 hits, 3 walks, 2 strikeouts in a win over the Rockies
- Career vs. Cardinals: 2-0, 2.18 ERA in 20 2/3 innings
- Michael McGreevy (Cardinals)
- Record: 3-2
- ERA: 2.10
- WHIP: 0.877
- Recent Start: 6 innings, 1 earned run, 5 hits, 1 walk, 3 strikeouts in a no-decision against the Athletics
- Career vs. Pirates: 1-0, 4.00 ERA in 9 innings
Odds and Betting Insights
Current betting lines from BetMGM Sportsbook show the following:
| Type | Pirates | Cardinals |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | +100 | -120 |
| Run Line | -1.5 (+170) | +1.5 (-210) |
| Over/Under | 7.5 | N/A |
Expert Picks and Predictions
Experts predict a Cardinals win, potentially scoring 6 to 3 against the Pirates. McGreevy’s performance has been particularly dominant, making him a reliable choice for bettors. In contrast, Mlodzinski’s inconsistency raises concerns.
Considering the teams’ scoring capabilities, betting on the over for 7.5 runs appears promising. Previous matchups have frequently exceeded this number, indicating a trend that could continue.
As the Pirates seek to break their losing streak, they may eventually find success against the Cardinals. However, until that happens, many will back St. Louis given their current form.
