Match Analysis: Pittsburgh Pirates vs St. Louis Cardinals – Prediction
Match Details
- Date: 2025-07-01
- Time: 10:40 PM UTC
- Location: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
Game Overview
The Pittsburgh Pirates host the St. Louis Cardinals in an NL Central matchup. The Cardinals hold a strong 47-38 record, sitting third in the division and pushing for a higher seed, while the Pirates struggle at 35-50, fifth in the division. Both teams' starting pitchers carry middling ERAs, with Pirates' right-hander Erick Fedde at 4.11 and Cardinals' lefty Andrew Heaney at 4.48. The Pirates' offense ranks among the weakest in MLB, whereas the Cardinals present a mid-tier offense, suggesting a competitive but potentially low-scoring game.
Key Factors to Consider
- Cardinals display better overall season form (47-38) versus Pirates (35-50). St. Louis averages 4.7 runs per game with a .255 batting average, while Pittsburgh averages 3.5 runs with a .234 average. The Pirates recently showed strong performance against the Mets, outscoring them 30-4 in a series sweep, hinting at some regained offensive confidence.
- Recent data points to the Cardinals as the favored side given their superior record and offensive consistency. Both teams have starting pitchers with similar win-loss records (3-7) and ERAs in the low-mid 4s, underscoring a pitching matchup that could be decided by offensive output.
- No specific injury updates are provided for either team, suggesting both may field their standard lineups.
- PNC Park is the venue, favoring the Pirates as home team, but their overall poorer season suggests limited advantage. Weather or other external factors were not indicated.
- Cardinals are motivated to consolidate their playoff push with a win to enhance seeding and maintain wild card positioning. Pirates, despite struggles, show recent high spirits after a dominant series win over the Mets, which may boost their morale and competitiveness.
Odds and Predictions
Category | Odds | Prediction | Confidence |
---|---|---|---|
Moneyline | Pittsburgh Pirates: -164, St. Louis Cardinals: 138 | Pittsburgh Pirates | ★★★☆☆ 65% |
Spread | Pittsburgh Pirates: -1.5 @ 125, St. Louis Cardinals: +1.5 @ -150 | St. Louis Cardinals +1.5 | ★★★☆☆ 60% |
Over/under | Over 7: -118, Under 7: -104 | Under 7 runs | ★★★★☆ 70% |
Top EV Betting Odds
Discover the best value bets based on our EV analysis.
Market | EV Pick |
---|---|
Moneyline | Pittsburgh Pirates -0% |
Spread | N/A |
Over/Under | Under 7 18% |
🔥 Best Value Pick: Under 7 at 18% EV | Suggested Bet Size: 18.4% (Kelly Criterion)
Predicted Outcome
The St. Louis Cardinals are favored to win based on superior season performance, stronger offense, and motivation to improve playoff positioning. The Pirates' recent offensive surge may challenge the Cardinals, but overall, the Cardinals’ edge on both sides of the ball makes them the predicted winners.
Predicted Score: St. Louis Cardinals 4 – Pittsburgh Pirates 3