Cardinals Host Pirates on Friday, July 24 – Bet on Baseball Today!

Once upon a time the Cardinals and Pirates would have been a top tier game.  For the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s they were regular National League contenders.   But since their epic loss to Atlanta in the 1992 NLCS Pittsburgh has never been the same.  Sure, they made the baseball betting postseason three straight years from 2013-2015.  Yet they were never a serious World Series threat.  Pittsburgh has blown up its entire franchise for a massive rebuild.  St. Louis begins their National League Central title defense this weekend. In brief, the Cardinals have the ability for a repeat.

Pittsburgh Pirates at St. Louis Cardinals CashBet Odds Analysis

Naturally, the Redbirds are going to be a heavy sport betting favorite. It is hard to quantify just how bad Pittsburgh will be in 2020.  Not only is their roster raw but their entire leadership structure is new.  Adding to the St. Louis price will be their status is one of the game’s most popular teams.

Probable Starters and Bullpen

Right-hander Adam Wainwright will get the start for the Cardinals.  Wainwright was 14-10 with a 4.19 earned run average in 2019.  His career began in 2005 for St. Louis and he has never left.  Overall Wainwright is a three-time All-Star with two NL Gold Glove Awards.

Of great concern for St. Louis is that the closer spot is up in the air.  Jordan Hicks had to opt-out due to preexisting conditions.  As a result, Ryan Helsley is tabbed as a potential replacement. Helsley was 2-0 with a 2.95 earned run average as a 2019 rookie.

Right-hander Mitch Keller is the likely starter for the Pirates.  Also, a 2019 rookie, Keller was lit up for a 7.13 earned run average.

In a similar way to St. Louis is Pittsburgh not certain of their closer.  Keone Kela tested positive for COVID-19.  He was slated to be the Pirates closer.  Specifically, his status is uncertain for Saturday.

Pirates Begin New Era from Ground Zero  

In view of missing the playoffs, four straight years did manager Clint Hurdle depart.  To his credit Hurdle led Pittsburgh to its best Betting on baseball success since 1992.  Now Derek Shelton takes over as Pirates skipper.  He arrives from Minnesota Twins where he was a bench coach for two years.

Namely 1B Josh Bell anchors the lineup.  Bell clobbered 37 doubles, 37 homers, and 116 runs batted in for 2019.  He was named an All-Star for the first time ever.

Cardinals Set to Defend National League Central Division Title  

Of course, 1B Paul Goldschmidt is a key MLB betting asset for the Cardinals.  Goldschmidt hit 34 home runs with 97 RBI in 2019.  He is a six-time NL All-Star.

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 Free Pick  

In this situation under the total is the best betting on MLB choice.  Pittsburgh lacks offense. While the Cardinals side price will be out of sight.

CashBet Pirates at Cardinals Best Bet:  St. Louis Cardinals