Pittsburgh Pirates at St. Louis Cardinals Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 9/16/2024 7:45 PM EST

We have your Pittsburgh Pirates at St. Louis Cardinals prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Pittsburgh Pirates hit the road to face the St. Louis Cardinals.

Pittsburgh Pirates at St. Louis Cardinals Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Pittsburgh Pirates -135 (bet365) / St. Louis Cardinals +120 (DraftKings)
Best Spread Odds: 1.5 - Pittsburgh Pirates +130 (FanDuel) / St. Louis Cardinals -145 (BetMGM)
Best Total Odds: 7.0 - Under -100 (FanDuel) / Over -115 (bet365)

Game Info

Date: 9/16/2024
Time: 7:45 PM EST
Location: Busch Stadium (St. Louis, Missouri)
TV: MLB.TV

Pittsburgh Pirates at St. Louis Cardinals Preview

The Pittsburgh Pirates are set to face the St. Louis Cardinals in a crucial NL Central matchup at Busch Stadium. The Pirates, currently holding a 71-78 record, are looking to build on their recent momentum, having won five of their last seven games. They will rely on their rookie sensation, Paul Skenes, who has been nothing short of spectacular in his debut season. Skenes boasts a 10-2 record with a 2.10 ERA and has been particularly dominant in September, posting a 0.82 ERA in his last two starts. His strikeout prowess is already drawing comparisons to some of the game's greats, with 151 strikeouts in his first 20 big league games, a feat only surpassed by a few legendary pitchers.

In contrast, the Cardinals, with a 74-75 record, are struggling offensively, having been swept by the Toronto Blue Jays over the weekend. Their manager, Oliver Marmol, has acknowledged the team's inability to execute at the plate, which has been a significant factor in their recent slump. St. Louis will turn to Andre Pallante, who has had a mixed season with a 6-8 record and a 4.13 ERA. Pallante has struggled in September, allowing eight runs in 10 innings, and will need to find his form to give the Cardinals a fighting chance.

Despite the Cardinals' offensive woes, they have managed to challenge Skenes in their previous encounters, with Nolan Arenado and Alec Burleson being the only players to score against him. However, Skenes' ability to dominate the strike zone, as evidenced by his 16 strikeouts and no walks in 14 2/3 innings against St. Louis, makes him a formidable opponent. The Pirates' recent form and Skenes' exceptional performance give them a slight edge as they aim to continue their push towards a strong finish to the season.

Pittsburgh Pirates at St. Louis Cardinals Pick: Pittsburgh Pirates Against the Spread

As the Pittsburgh Pirates prepare to face the St. Louis Cardinals, the odds seem to favor the Pirates, particularly when considering the spread. The Pirates have been on a roll, winning five of their last seven games, and they are riding the wave of momentum into this crucial NL Central matchup. A significant factor in their recent success has been the outstanding performance of rookie pitcher Paul Skenes. With a 10-2 record and a 2.10 ERA, Skenes has been a revelation in his debut season, and his September performance has been nothing short of spectacular, boasting a 0.82 ERA in his last two starts. His ability to dominate the strike zone, as evidenced by his 151 strikeouts in just 20 big league games, sets him apart as a formidable force on the mound.

In contrast, the Cardinals are struggling offensively, having been swept by the Toronto Blue Jays over the weekend. Their inability to execute at the plate has been a significant factor in their recent slump, as acknowledged by their manager, Oliver Marmol. Andre Pallante, the Cardinals' starting pitcher, has had a mixed season with a 6-8 record and a 4.13 ERA. His struggles have been particularly pronounced in September, where he has allowed eight runs in just 10 innings. This inconsistency on the mound could prove costly against a Pirates team that is finding its stride.

Despite the Cardinals managing to challenge Skenes in previous encounters, with only Nolan Arenado and Alec Burleson scoring against him, Skenes' exceptional control and strikeout ability make him a daunting opponent. The Pirates' recent form, combined with Skenes' dominance, gives them a clear edge in this matchup. With the spread odds favoring the Pirates, betting on them to cover the spread seems a prudent choice as they aim to continue their push towards a strong finish to the season.

Pittsburgh Pirates at St. Louis Cardinals Top Player Prop Picks

Paul Skenes Over 6.5 Strikeouts -113 (FanDuel)

Paul Skenes has been a strikeout machine in his rookie season, amassing 151 strikeouts in just 20 big league games. This places him among the elite company of pitchers like Kerry Wood and Dwight Gooden, who achieved similar feats early in their careers. Skenes' dominance is further highlighted by his performance against the Cardinals this season, where he struck out 16 batters in 14 2/3 innings without issuing a single walk. Given his recent form, with a 0.82 ERA in September, and the Cardinals' current offensive struggles, betting on Skenes to surpass 6.5 strikeouts seems a strong proposition.

Andre Pallante Under 4.5 Strikeouts -134 (bet365)

Andre Pallante has had a challenging September, allowing eight runs in just 10 innings, which has contributed to his 7.20 ERA for the month. His struggles with control are evident, as he has issued 10 walks in those innings, which limits his ability to go deep into games and accumulate strikeouts. Against a Pirates team that is riding a wave of momentum, having won five of their last seven games, Pallante's chances of reaching 4.5 strikeouts appear slim. The Pirates' lineup, buoyed by players like Bryan Reynolds, is likely to capitalize on Pallante's inconsistencies, making the under a favorable bet.

Bryan Reynolds Over 0.5 Singles -145 (bet365)

Bryan Reynolds has been a key contributor to the Pirates' recent success, and his ability to get on base will be crucial against the Cardinals. With Andre Pallante's recent struggles on the mound, Reynolds has a prime opportunity to continue his offensive production. Pallante's control issues and the Pirates' recent form suggest that Reynolds will have ample chances to make contact and secure at least one single in the game. Given the odds and the current dynamics, betting on Reynolds to achieve over 0.5 singles is a solid choice.