Game Summary

The St. Louis Cardinals will face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This matchup holds significant importance as both teams are neck-and-neck in the NL Central standings. The Cardinals currently hold a 52-48 record, placing them second in the division, while the Pirates are right behind with a 51-49 record. The Pirates lead the series 1-0 after a narrow 2-1 victory in the first game.

Pittsburgh has been solid at home with a 25-25 record, and they boast the sixth-ranked team ERA in the National League at 3.83. St. Louis, on the other hand, has a balanced record of 26-26 in road games and has a remarkable 38-19 record in games where they record eight or more hits. Historically, the Cardinals lead the season series 4-3, giving them a slight edge in head-to-head matchups this year.

Key performers for the Pirates include Bryan Reynolds, who has been a consistent force with 20 doubles, three triples, and 18 home runs while hitting .288. Oneil Cruz has also been hot recently, going 12-for-37 with four doubles and three home runs over the past 10 games. For the Cardinals, Nolan Arenado has been a standout with 14 doubles and nine home runs, while Alec Burleson has been on fire, hitting 15-for-41 with three doubles and four home runs in his last 10 games.

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Player Prop Odds

Here are the player prop odds for Brendan Donovan for the upcoming game:

Batter Doubles: Over 0.5 (+340)

Batter Hits: Over 1.5 (+250)

Batter RBIs: Over 0.5 (+185)

Batter Runs Scored: Over 0.5 (+120)

Batter Singles: Over 0.5 (-135)

Batter Total Bases: Over 1.5 (+135)

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Player Analysis

Brendan Donovan has been a vital part of the Cardinals' lineup this season. The versatile infielder has displayed a solid all-around game, contributing significantly both at the plate and in the field. Donovan's current batting average stands at .271 with 11 home runs and 45 RBIs. He has shown a knack for coming through in clutch situations, making him a key player to watch in this matchup.

Donovan's recent form has been encouraging, as he has been finding ways to get on base consistently. Over his last 10 games, he has accumulated 12 hits, including three doubles and two home runs. His ability to hit for both power and average makes him a valuable asset for the Cardinals, especially in a game where runs could be at a premium.

Opposing Analysis

The Pirates will be starting Paul Skenes, who has been nothing short of spectacular this season. Skenes holds a 6-0 record with a stunning 1.90 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP. He has been a strikeout machine, fanning 89 batters in just 66.1 innings pitched. Skenes' ability to dominate hitters makes him a formidable opponent for any lineup.

However, the Cardinals have had some success against Skenes in their previous encounters. They have managed to score runs off him, and their lineup has the potential to capitalize on any mistakes he makes. The key for the Cardinals will be to make Skenes work hard for his outs and get into the Pirates' bullpen early.

Pitching Probables

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Team Previews

St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals have been solid offensively this season, with key players like Nolan Arenado, Alec Burleson, and Brendan Donovan leading the charge. They rank 23rd in the league in hits with 788 and are tied for 23rd in runs with 416. Their team batting average stands at .233, ranking them 26th overall. However, they have shown an ability to come through in clutch situations, as evidenced by their 38-19 record when recording eight or more hits.

On the pitching side, Lance Lynn will be taking the mound for the Cardinals. Lynn has a 5-4 record with a 4.39 ERA and has struck out 92 batters in 96.1 innings pitched. The Cardinals' bullpen has been reliable, ranking 12th in the league with a 3.83 ERA and boasting 26 saves, tied for 12th overall.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates have been a surprise package this season, with a 51-49 record. Offensively, Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz have been standout performers. The Pirates rank 12th in hits with 838 and tied for 23rd in runs with 416. Their team batting average of .246 ranks 13th in the league.

Pitching has been the Pirates' strength, with a team ERA of 3.83, ranking 6th in the National League. Paul Skenes will be their starting pitcher, and he has been dominant with a 6-0 record and a 1.90 ERA. The Pirates' bullpen has also been solid, with 36 saves, the highest in the league.

Team Injuries

St. Louis Cardinals

Pittsburgh Pirates

Recent Games

St. Louis Cardinals

Pittsburgh Pirates

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Prediction

Given Brendan Donovan's recent form and his ability to deliver in clutch situations, the over 0.5 RBIs at +185 offers significant value. Donovan has been consistent at the plate, and with the Cardinals needing to step up against a tough opponent in Paul Skenes, Donovan will be a key player in driving in runs. The odds are favorable, and the matchup provides a good opportunity for him to exceed this prop.

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