Following their 2019 National League Central Division title the Cardinals are the toast of St. Louis. Gamblers are impressed enough to make them a favorite to repeat. St. Louis went back to their old winning formula. Specifically, that would be strong pitching with timely hitting. Pittsburgh is the other side of the MLB betting coin. Manager Clint Hurdle is gone with Derek Shelton taking over. In view of the roster turnover and low payroll does Shelton have a weak hand. It is doubtful that he will still be in the dugout if and when the Pirates improve.
Pittsburgh Pirates at St. Louis Cardinals
| Date and Time: | Saturday, July 25, 2020, 2:15 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri |
| Pirates vs. Cardinals TV Coverage: | MLBN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pirates | +1½ (-120) | 7½ (-120) | +180 |  |
| Cardinals | -1½ (EV) | 7½ (EV) | -190 | |
| ||||
Pittsburgh Pirates at St. Louis Cardinals SBG Odds Analysis
To bring to light, the disparity between these two teams will make the Cardinals a heavy favorite. Few members of the online sportsbook community want anything to do with the Pirates. Offsetting that will be a St. Louis price that offers no value. As a result, sharps will consider the total or St. Louis run line. Oddsmakers will give an enticing price to anyone shopping the Pirates. But an unlikely win makes that irrelevant.
Probable Starters and Bullpen
St. Louis will be sending its veteran mainstay right-hander Adam Wainwright to the hill. Last year Wainwright was 14-10 with a 4.19 earned run average. He is a three-time National League All-Star.
Cause by COVID-19 is the Cardinals closer in doubt. Jordan Hicks opted out of the season which could put Ryan Helsley in place. As a 2019 rookie Helsley went 2-0 with a 2.95 earned run average.
Mitch Keller is the probable starter for the Pirates. In a similar way, the right-hander was a 2019 rookie. Keller was bombarded with a 7.13 earned run average.
In like manner to the Cardinals is Pittsburgh uncertain about its closure. Keone Kela tested positive for COVID-19. His status is uncertain for this game.
Pittsburgh Pirates at St. Louis Cardinals Betting Trends
The Pirates are:
- 2-7 in their last nine away games
- 7-2-1 over the total on the road
- 2-11 in their last 13 head to head games with St. Louis
- 6-4-1 over the total against the Cardinals
- 2-18 in their last 20 road games vs. National League Central teams
- 9-4 over the total in away games vs. the National League Central
The Cardinals are:
- 4-8 in their last 12 home games
- 4-5-1 under the total at Busch Stadium
- 12-6 in their last 18 home games against the Pirates
- 3-6 under the total at Busch Stadium vs. Pittsburgh
- 4-6 in their last 10 games at Busch Stadium against the National League Central
- 7-3 over the total when hosting the National League Central
Pittsburgh Pirates at St. Louis Cardinals SBG Free Pick
On this occasion, the best baseball fans in America will be locked out due to quarantine. But St. Louis will have its TV’s and radios tuned in mass for the action. As was previously noted the MLB betting price on St. Louis will be prohibitive. Under the total is the best play. Encompassing that is the weak Pirates batting order and Wainwright on the hill.
Pirates at Cardinals SBG Best Bet: Under the Total