Prediction Details

MLB Prediction: Pittsburgh Pirates vs St. Louis Cardinals (Tuesday, August 26 at 07:45 PM ET)

Introduction

Updated

PIT @ STLPIT +110STL -130O/U 8.0
Market / Trend PIT STL
Moneyline +110 -130
Total (O/U) 8.0
Run Line +1.5 (-198) -1.5 (164)
Last 5 RPG 5.2 4.8
Record 57–74 64–67
Lines: BetMGM, BetOnline.ag, BetUS, Bovada +6 more

More MLB picks: Pittsburgh Pirates · St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals’ last 10 contests have averaged 11.8 combined runs, a scoring pace that drives this MLB prediction firmly toward an offensive game script. The Pirates arrive with a 6-4 mark in their last 10, but their weak 18-45 road record undercuts that recent form. St. Louis has been more reliable at home, and with their lineup producing steady run totals, the matchup analysis favors the Cardinals to capitalize on their situational edge while pushing the total over the posted number.

Game Time

Starts in 18h 49m

Taking place at Tuesday, August 26 at 07:45 PM ET at pitcher-friendly Busch Stadium in St. Louis.

Odds & Spread Line

  • Pittsburgh Pirates: +110
  • St. Louis Cardinals: -130

Total: 8

  • Run Line — Pittsburgh Pirates: +1.5 (-198)
  • Run Line — St. Louis Cardinals: -1.5 (+164)

Latest Team Records

Pittsburgh Pirates: 57-74 (Win %: 0.435)
St. Louis Cardinals: 64-67 (Win %: 0.489)

Injury Report

Both teams are currently healthy with no major injury concerns.

Key Player Stats

Pittsburgh Pirates

  • Bryan Reynolds: 0.244 AVG, 13 HR, 63 RBI
  • Andrew McCutchen: 0.241 AVG, 12 HR, 47 RBI
  • Tommy Pham: 0.267 AVG, 7 HR, 38 RBI

St. Louis Cardinals

  • Willson Contreras: 0.261 AVG, 19 HR, 70 RBI
  • Alec Burleson: 0.285 AVG, 15 HR, 59 RBI
  • Ivan Herrera: 0.279 AVG, 10 HR, 47 RBI

Team Analysis

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates sit at 57-74 overall, and while their last 5 games produced a 4-1 record with 5.2 runs per game, the road record of 18-45 exposes a glaring weakness away from home. Bryan Reynolds has been the most consistent run producer, but this lineup has often struggled to sustain rallies against teams with deeper rotations. Their recent uptick in run scoring is encouraging, though the environment in St. Louis presents a tougher test than their recent schedule.

Andrew McCutchen adds veteran stability, and Tommy Pham has contributed timely hits, yet the Pirates’ offensive rhythm has been inconsistent over longer stretches. Their last 10 games at 6-4 with 4.1 RPG suggest competence, but the lack of road execution has routinely undermined that form. Against a Cardinals team with superior balance and home performance, Pittsburgh Pirates’ away struggles remain the defining factor limiting their betting appeal.

  • Batting Average: 0.234
  • Total Runs Scored: 467
  • Home Runs: 94
  • OBP: 0.305
  • SLG: 0.351
  • OPS: 0.656
  • ERA: 3.93
  • WHIP: 1.22

Away Record: 18-45 • Home Record: 39-30
Last 5 Games: 4-1 (5.2 RPG)
Last 10 Games: 6-4 (4.1 RPG)


St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals sit just under .500 yet have proven more effective at home with a 36-30 record, and their lineup has delivered 5.4 RPG across the last 10 games. Willson Contreras remains the centerpiece of their run production, giving this offense a reliable middle-order threat. That scoring pace, combined with strong late-game execution, gives St. Louis a clear advantage in a matchup that demands consistency.

Alec Burleson has given the Cardinals an efficient contact bat, while Ivan Herrera continues to add depth to the order, ensuring production beyond the top few hitters. Their last 5 games at 2-3 with 4.8 RPG still reflect steady offensive output, even when results have been uneven. With a supportive home environment and a proven ability to generate runs against Pittsburgh, the Cardinals’ profile aligns with both the moneyline and total betting angles.

  • Batting Average: 0.249
  • Total Runs Scored: 573
  • Home Runs: 124
  • OBP: 0.317
  • SLG: 0.385
  • OPS: 0.702
  • ERA: 4.31
  • WHIP: 1.31

Away Record: 29-37 • Home Record: 36-30
Last 5 Games: 2-3 (4.8 RPG)
Last 10 Games: 4-6 (5.4 RPG)


Head-to-Head History

Tied 4–4 (Last 8 games)

  • August 25, 2025: PIT 6 @ STL 7
  • July 02, 2025: STL 0 @ PIT 5
  • July 01, 2025: STL 0 @ PIT 1
  • June 30, 2025: STL 0 @ PIT 7
  • May 07, 2025: PIT 0 @ STL 5
  • May 06, 2025: PIT 1 @ STL 2
  • May 05, 2025: PIT 3 @ STL 6
  • April 09, 2025: STL 1 @ PIT 2

Over/Under Trends

Pittsburgh Pirates’ last 10 games have averaged 6.8 total runs, with 3 games that would have cleared today’s total of 8.

St. Louis Cardinals’ last 10 games have averaged 11.8 combined runs, with 8 games clearing the same number of 8.

Moneyline Betting Prediction

The Cardinals’ home performance and ability to generate offense across the order make them the sharper side against a Pirates team handicapped by its 18-45 road record. With consistent contributions from Contreras, Burleson, and Herrera, plus a proven scoring edge in recent head-to-head play, the Cardinals are positioned to control this matchup from start to finish.

This sets up cleanly for the St. Louis Cardinals to finish on top.

Over/Under Prediction

In their last five, the St. Louis Cardinals have produced 4.8 RPG and the Pittsburgh Pirates 5.2. That output frames how this total sets up.

These teams are combining for 10.0 runs per game recently — above the posted total of 8.0. That points toward the Over 8.0.

Bookmakers

Available at: FanDuel, MyBookie.ag, BetOnline.ag, LowVig.ag, Caesars, DraftKings, Bovada, BetUS, BetMGM, Fanatics.

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MLB Predictions FAQ

How does Parlamaz make Pittsburgh Pirates vs St. Louis Cardinals MLB predictions?

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How often are picks updated?

Daily. We update for confirmed lineups, injuries, and market moves. Check back near first pitch for final notes.

How should I size my bets?

Use a consistent unit (about 1–2% of bankroll). Singles should be most of your volume. We like parlays—smart ones. Keep legs tight (2–3), cap risk to 0.25–0.5u, and pass when the price isn’t there.

John Tamburino

John TamburinoVerified

Lead Analyst — data-first, former college baseball.

John Tamburino grew up on travel baseball and three years of varsity basketball, then played college baseball before shifting to analytics. He still watches everything—from weekday tennis to UFC—and will never forget the Diamondbacks’ 2001 run. At Parlamaz, John blends trusted data feeds with matchup context to find real value—no fluff, no paywalls.