So much for the Pirates’ playoff hopes. They’re 2-12 straight up in their last 14 games and are dropping faster than Donald Trump’s approval rating. The Cardinals, on the other hand, are just one and a half games back of the final playoff spot and still have everything to play for with all 10 of their remaining games coming against teams jockeying for position in the playoff race.
Eliminated from postseason contention, Pittsburgh looks like a team that’s all but given up and it appears Ivan Nova (11-14, 4.20 ERA) has adopted that mentality. He’s been absolutely hammered in 11 starts since the all-star break (2-8, 6.22 ERA) and the Cards have had his number this season.
Nova will start tonight’s game opposite Michael Wacha (12-8, 4.02 ERA), a guy who’s been inconsistent all year but who’s capable of pitching a gem. He’s been shiny when hurling against the Bucs (2-1, 2.89 ERA), though, and he shut them down as early as 12 days ago when he held the Pirates to no runs over eight innings of work.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The moneyline was hovering in the range of 120 for the Pittsburgh Pirates in this one over at Sportsbook. The OVER/UNDER number was sitting near 8.5 at Sportsbook.
Handicapping models based on recent betting stats and prediction formulas pick a 4.5-3.9 win for the Cardinals. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming MLB matchups here.
St. Louis Cardinals vs Pittsburgh Pirates Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Pittsburgh Pirates sport a record of 69-84 heading into this matchup, while the St. Louis Cardinals sit at 80-72 on the season. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Pittsburgh vs St. Louis injuries news.
According to MLB Power Rankings here, it's the No. 27-ranked Pittsburgh Pirates and the No. 3-rated St. Louis Cardinals in this matchup.
Statistical Matchup
Scoring stats point to some edges in this matchup. The game features the Pittsburgh Pirates' No. 28-ranked scoring average of 4.02 runs per game, against a St. Louis Cardinals offense rated No. 11 and scoring 4.78 runs per game. The Pirates have averaged 8.2 hits per game to date this season, less than the Cardinals hitters have managed (8.76 per nine innings).
St. Louis brings the No. 7-rated defense to this matchup, facing the Pirates' No. 13-ranked defense.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
St. Louis got the job done in their last match in an 8-5 victory over Cincinnati on Thursday at Great American Ball Park behind starter Carlos Martinez.
The Pirates enjoyed a 6-4 victory at the expense of the Brewers on Wednesday, with Steven Brault throwing 5 innings of 4-hit ball at PNC Park.
Next Betting Matchups
St. Louis at Pittsburgh, Saturday, September 23