St. Louis Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates: April 7, 2025 Game Preview and Betting Insights

The St. Louis Cardinals are set to face the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday, April 7, 2025, at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET. This National League Central matchup features two teams aiming to improve their early-season records. The Cardinals enter the game with a 4-5 record, while the Pirates stand at 3-7.​

Betting Odds and Insights

• Moneyline: Cardinals -126, Pirates +105​

• Run Line: Cardinals -1.5 (+133), Pirates +1.5 (-158)​

• Over/Under: 8.5 runs (Over -103, Under -120)​

The Cardinals have been favored in three games this season, winning one (33.3%) of those contests. When favored by -126 or more, they have a 1-2 record. The implied probability of a Cardinals victory at these odds is approximately 55.8%. Conversely, the Pirates have been underdogs in six games, securing one win (16.7%). As underdogs with a moneyline of +105, their implied win probability is 44.2%. ​

Starting Pitchers

• St. Louis Cardinals: Matthew Liberatore (LHP)

  • Season Record: 0-0​

  • ERA: 4.50​

  • Strikeouts: 4​

  • Career vs. Pirates: 1-2 with a 7.13 ERA in four starts​

• Pittsburgh Pirates: Carmen Mlodzinski (RHP)​

  • Season Record: 0-1

  • ERA: 9.82​

  • Strikeouts: 4​

  • Career vs. Cardinals: First career start​

Liberatore aims to build upon his initial outings, while Mlodzinski seeks to rebound from a challenging start to the season.

Team Performance and Recent Trends

The Cardinals are looking to recover after being swept by the Boston Red Sox, including an 18-7 loss in the series finale. Following this series against the Pirates, they will host the Philadelphia Phillies. ​

The Pirates have had a slow start, with a 3-7 record. They aim to leverage home-field advantage to gain momentum in the division.​

Key Players to Watch

• St. Louis Cardinals:

  • Alec Burleson (OF): Burleson has been a consistent contributor to the Cardinals' offense, providing both power and average.​

  • Paul Goldschmidt (1B): The veteran first baseman continues to be a pivotal part of the lineup, offering leadership and offensive production.​

• Pittsburgh Pirates:

  • Ke'Bryan Hayes (3B): Hayes is a cornerstone of the Pirates' infield, known for his defensive prowess and developing offensive skills.​

  • Bryan Reynolds (OF): Reynolds brings versatility to the lineup, contributing both in the field and at the plate.​

Game Prediction

Analysts predict a closely contested game, with a projected final score of Cardinals 7, Pirates 6. The total runs are expected to exceed 8.5, suggesting a high-scoring affair. The win probabilities are estimated at 51% for the Cardinals and 49% for the Pirates, indicating a near toss-up.

Betting Recommendations

• Moneyline: Given the Cardinals' slight edge in win probability and their status as favorites, betting on the Cardinals at -126 could be favorable.​

• Run Line: Considering the predicted close score, the Pirates at +1.5 (-158) might offer value for those expecting a tight game.​

• Over/Under: With the total projected to go over 8.5 runs, taking the over at -103 appears to be a reasonable choice.​

Conclusion

The matchup between the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates presents an intriguing early-season divisional clash. Both teams are eager to improve their standings, and this game offers a platform for key players to make significant impacts. Bettors should consider recent team performances, starting pitcher matchups, and betting odds when making informed decisions.