St. Louis Cardinals (43-40) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (40-43)
The St. Louis Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Pirates are set to clash in an intriguing National League matchup on Independence Day at PNC Park. Coming into this game, the Cardinals hold a slight edge over the Pirates with a record of 43-40 compared to the Pirates’ 40-43. This game, scheduled for 12:35 PM ET on Thursday, July 4, 2024, will not just be about the fireworks in the sky but also those on the field as both teams seek to climb higher in their division standings. As we delve into the latest MLB picks, the contrasting fortunes and strategies of these two teams promise a compelling contest.
The Cardinals batting average stands at .239 for the on-base percentage of .306 and the slugging percentage at .376. These might not be mind boggling numbers but the Cardinals have been able to summon 79 home runs and compile 328 runs. Their pitching staff, one could argue, has been decent in terms of ERA 3.89 and WHIP of 1.25 although it is not very stunning. Concerning the road performance against the spread, their record stands at 17-24 meaning that they had their inefficiencies that they would need to correct in this game.
On the other hand, the Pirates have a lower batting performance than the Cardinals: average batting, .227, on-base .296, slugging .359. Most notably, their pitchers hold almost an equal ERA of 3.98 and a WHIP of 1.28 to the Giants pitchers. It is even more noteworthy how Pittsburgh has played better than that on the road against the spread with a record of 25-19, which implies the better team when games are tighter.
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Game Info
| When: | Thursday, July 4, 2024 at 12:35 PM ET |
| Where: | PNC Park |
| TV: | ESP+ |
| Stream: | MLB.TV |
Andre Pallante (4-3, 4.5 ERA) vs. Martin Perez (1-4, 5.28 ERA)
Starting for the Cardinals, Andre Pallante who has a win-loss record of 4-3 and an ERA of 4.5 as well as a WHIP of 1.58 will pitch. All the same, he offered 42 hits in 38 innings and 31 striking outs but with a higher WHIP his control might be letting the Pirates hitting chances surface. The positives in Pallante’s pitching will come from his ability across innings not to give up large ones.
On the counterpart, Martin Perez of the Pirates, who is unimpressive this season having only been able to secure 1-4 with a 5.28 ERA will have to step up. A 1.61 WHIP and 78 hits allowed over 61.1 innings demonstrate that Inniss is vulnerable to allowing base runners, which makes him vulnerable against the Cardinals roster. A key focal point regarding the Pirates shall be the versatility of Perez particularly with regards to the team’s defense.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
As the betting odds and spreads are yet to be determined, bettors will need to stay tuned for updates as the game approaches. However, based on current form and statistics, this matchup could very well be evenly matched with slight leaning towards the Cardinals due to their slightly better overall stats.
St. Louis Cardinals Betting Trends
The Cardinals’ recent form shows some consistency in winning games but a struggle against the spread on the road. The totals going OVER in 2 of their last 5 indicates a tendency towards higher-scoring games, which might continue given the pitching stats of both starters.
Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Trends
The Pirates have shown a knack for covering the spread, especially in their recent outings. Their better record against the spread in road games could play to their advantage, even in a home setting. The total has gone OVER in fewer games compared to the Cardinals, suggesting a variance in game totals based on their pitching performance.
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates 7/4/24 Betting Picks
Given both teams’ recent performances and pitching matchups, this game promises to be a closely contested affair. The Cardinals might have a slight edge due to their better offensive stats and the Pirates’ struggles with their starting pitcher. However, the Pirates’ ability to cover the spread cannot be underestimated.
In conclusion, while this game could go either way, the Cardinals might be a safer bet considering the current dynamics. For those looking at prop bets or over/under, considering the pitching vulnerabilities on both sides, betting on a higher total score could be promising. Remember to check out the top online betting platforms for the best odds and betting options as the game day approaches.
