Pick details
| MATCHUP | Pittsburgh Pirates | St. Louis Cardinals |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 24-23 | 27-19 |
| Where | Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri | |
| When | Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:45 PM EDT | |
| TV | MLB.TV | |
Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Preview
The Pittsburgh Pirates enter Tuesday’s contest with a 24–23 overall record (4th in the National League Central) and an 11–10 mark on the road. The Pirates offense has been productive to this point in the season. The Pittsburgh Pirates have compiled 229 runs scored (5th in MLB), 68 doubles, 49 home runs, and a .248 team batting average which ranks sixth in Major League Baseball.The Pirates arrive at tomorrow’s game in below average form. Pittsburgh has lost three of the team’s last four games played this season, including a 6–0 shutout loss to the Philadelphia Phillies two days.
Pittsburgh will turn to right hander Mitch Keller in this contest. In nine starts made this season, Keller has compiled a 4–2 win‑loss record, a 3.59 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP (25th in MLB), and 38 strikeouts, while allowing 42 hits and 15 walks in 52.2 innings pitched. Keller will look to continue his steady early season performance in tomorrow’s matchup with the St. Louis Cardinals.
The Pittsburgh Pirates lineup features outfielder Oneil Cruz and third baseman Nick Gonzales. Cruz has tallied a .259 batting average, 10 home runs (23rd in MLB), 32 RBIs (10th in MLB), 16 walks, 16 stolen bases (3rd in MLB) and a .789 OPS. Nick Gonzales has compiled a rather impressive .318 batting average (8th in MLB), 12 walks, 7 doubles. 3 stolen bases and a .744 OPS.
St. Louis Cardinals Betting Preview
The St. Louis Cardinals enter Tuesday night’s matchup with a 27–19 overall record (3rd in the National League Central) and a 12–11 mark at home. The Cardinals have played good baseball recently, winning three of the team’s last four games played in 2026, including a thrilling 5–4 victory over the Kansas City Royals last week.St. Louis will start left hander Matthew Liberatore, who continues to provide quality innings for the Cardinals starting pitching rotation. In nine starts made this season, Liberatore has compiled a 2–2 record, a 4.40 ERA, a 1.51 WHIP and 34 strikeouts, while allowing 53 hits and 18 walks in 47 innings pitched.
The St. Louis Cardinals lineup features outfielder Jordan Walker and first baseman Alec Burleson. Jordan Walker has compiled a .301 batting average (14th in MLB), 13 home runs (8th in MLB), 10 doubles, 34 RBIs and a .955 OPS which ranks seventh in Major League Baseball. Alec Burleson has amassed a .277 batting average, 6 home runs, 33 RBIs (9th in MLB) and a .781 OPS.
Why the Pittsburgh Pirates will win.
• Starting pitching edge. In nine starts made this season, Mitch Keller has compiled a 4–2 win‑loss record, a 3.59 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP (25th in MLB) and 38 strikeouts in 52.2 innings pitched• Offensive production. Oneil Cruz and Nick Gonzales continue to anchor the Pirates lineup.
• Enhanced motivation. The Pirates arrive at tomorrow’s contest on the heels of a three-game losing streak.
Why the St. Louis Cardinals will win.
• Home field advantage. The St. Louis Cardinals have amassed a 12-11 record at home this season.• Offensive balance. Jordan Walker and Alec Burleson provide a strong core to the St. Louis lineup.
• Current form. The Cardinals have won three of the team’s last four games played in 2026.
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. St. Louis Cardinals Prediction
In my opinion, this matchup favors the Pittsburgh Pirates. Pittsburgh starting pitcher Mitch Keller enters tomorrow night’s contest with a 4-2 record and a 1.08 WHIP (25th in MLB), while St. Louis hurler Matthew Liberatore has been far more inconsistent this season, allowing a massive 53 hits and 18 walks in just 47 innings pitched and now faces a Pirates lineup that has been more efficient on the road. With that said, Pittsburgh is the clear side to be on in this one. I am backing the Pittsburgh Pirates on the moneyline in this game.Hans Geevers's Pick: Pittsburgh Pirates ML
