St. Louis (47-39) at Pittsburgh (36-50)
- When: Jul 1 2025, 6:40 PM
- Where: PNC Park, PNC Park
- Where to watch: FDSMW
Cardinals vs. Pirates – Game Betting Preview & Prediction
Moneyline: Pittsburgh -167
Total: 7.0
Spread: Pittsburgh -1.5 (+139)
Pittsburgh Pirates Preview
The Pirates are on a heater not seen in nearly 100 years. They’ve rattled off four straight wins , each by seven or more runs, a feat last matched by the 1925 Bucs. Now riding a wave of explosive offense, Pittsburgh returns home looking to make it five in a row behind phenom Paul Skenes.
Skenes (4-7, 2.12 ERA) has been electric all season despite his record, largely due to poor run support. But the bats have finally woken up, scoring 37 runs over the past four games. His last start was his worst of the year (4 IP, 4 ER vs Milwaukee), but he’ll look to reset at home, where the crowd should give him an added jolt.
Skenes has struggled against the Cards (0-4 lifetime), and the offense has only averaged 3.5 runs in his starts, but the current offensive rhythm suggests value in backing the Pirates to win with room to spare. Expect them to come out swinging early and often once again.
St. Louis Cardinals Preview
The Cardinals were hot before arriving in Pittsburgh, coming off a sweep of Cleveland and winners in 10 of 13. That momentum met a brick wall in Game 1, and they now turn to Andre Pallante (5-4, 4.43 ERA) to stop the bleeding.
Pallante has been up and down this year and was inefficient last time out (5 IP, 2 ER on 94 pitches vs Cubs). While his leash remains long manager Oli Marmol insists he’s staying in the bigs, there’s little confidence backing him on the road in this spot, especially facing a suddenly surging Pirates lineup.
That said, Pallante has pitched well historically against Pittsburgh, holding a 2.65 ERA across 16 appearances. If he can keep the ball in the yard and limit free passes, he could give the Cardinals a chance to steal one late.
Prediction & Betting Picks
The Pirates are rolling, and Skenes is due for a little redemption against a team that’s had his number. With the offense firing at all levels and the Cardinals’ starter looking shaky, Pittsburgh holds the edge.
Score Prediction: Pirates 6, Cardinals 2
Pick: Pittsburgh -1.5 (+139)
Total: Over 7.0 (-125)
Expect a tight start before Pittsburgh breaks it open in the mid-to-late innings once again.
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
