Game Summary

The Pittsburgh Pirates will face off against the St. Louis Cardinals on September 18 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. This matchup is intriguing as both teams are looking to finish the season strong, but their performances this year have been quite contrasting. The Pirates enter this game with a record of 76-75, sitting in the middle of the pack in the NL Central, while the Cardinals are struggling at 71-80, trying to find their footing as the season winds down.

The Pirates have had a rollercoaster season but have shown flashes of brilliance, especially in their later series. With a balanced lineup and solid pitching, they have managed to stay competitive. Their recent form includes a mixed bag of results, but they have found ways to win crucial games. On the other hand, the Cardinals have had a disappointing season, plagued by injuries and inconsistent play. Despite their potential, they have struggled to find rhythm, leading to a disappointing overall record.

Historically, this matchup has been competitive, with the Pirates often giving the Cardinals a tough time. Key players to watch include Sonny Gray for the Pirates, who has been a reliable ace this season, and Jake Woodford for the Cardinals, who has struggled significantly with an 8.01 ERA. The performance of these pitchers will be crucial in determining the outcome of this game.

Adding to the narrative, the Pirates will be looking to capitalize on the Cardinals' weak pitching staff, especially with Woodford's high ERA. The weather forecast suggests mostly sunny conditions with a temperature of around 85°F, providing a perfect setting for a day of baseball. Fans can expect an exciting contest as both teams battle for playoff positioning and pride in this late-season matchup.

Odds and Betting Lines

Pitching Probables

Team Previews

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates have been a surprise this season, showing resilience and potential to upset stronger teams. Their hitting has been decent, with an average of .246, placing them 13th in the league. The pitching has been the standout, especially with Sonny Gray leading the rotation with a solid 3.75 ERA. The bullpen has also been reliable, contributing to their 4.08 team ERA, which ranks 17th overall.

St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals have struggled significantly this season, ranking low in several offensive and defensive categories. Their batting average of .235 is amongst the worst in the league, and their pitching staff has not fared much better, with an ERA of 4.13. Jake Woodford's struggles on the mound have been indicative of the Cardinals' overall season, and they will need to find a way to turn things around quickly if they hope to salvage any pride in the final weeks of the season.

Team Injuries

Pittsburgh Pirates

St. Louis Cardinals

Betting Trends

• Pittsburgh Pirates are 4-1 in their last 5 games against a right-handed starter.
• St. Louis Cardinals are 0-5 in their last 5 games overall.
• Pirates have a strong road record, winning 41 out of 76 games.
• Cardinals have dropped 7 of their last 10 games.

Recent Games

Pittsburgh Pirates

St. Louis Cardinals

Team Rankings

Significant Betting Stats

• Pirates are 5-2 in their last 7 games against the Cardinals.
• Cardinals are 1-6 in their last 7 games overall.
• Pirates have a 4-1 record in their last 5 games on the road.
• Cardinals are 0-5 in their last 5 games against teams with a winning record.
• Sonny Gray has a 3.75 ERA, making him a reliable option on the mound.
• Jake Woodford has an 8.01 ERA, indicating struggles against the Pirates lineup.
• Pirates are 4-1 in their last 5 games against a right-handed pitcher.
• Cardinals are 1-4 in their last 5 games following a loss.
• Over is 4-0 in Pirates' last 4 games following a win.
• Under is 5-1 in Cardinals' last 6 games following a loss.

Weather

Weather Forecast: Mostly sunny with a temperature of 85°F.