| MATCHUP | Pittsburgh Pirates | St. Louis Cardinals |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 66-71 | 68-69 |
| Spread | -1.5 139 | +1.5 -168 |
| Moneyline | -120 | -101 |
| Total | Over 8 (-104) | Under 8 (-115) |
| Where | Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri | |
| When | Sunday, August 30, 2026 | |
| Time | 02:15 PM EDT | |
| TV | MLB.TV | |
Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Preview
The Pittsburgh Pirates enter Sunday’s contest with a 66–71 overall record (4th in the National League Central) and a 32–39 mark on the road. The Pirates offense has been competitive this season. Pittsburgh has compiled 644 runs scored (4th in MLB), 205 doubles, 160 homes runs and a .252 team batting average which ranks fifth in Major League Baseball.The Pirates arrive at this afternoon’s game in good form. Pittsburgh has won three of the team’s last five games played this season, including a 1-0 shutout win over the San Diego Padres earlier this week.
The Pittsburgh Pirates will turn to right hander Braxton Ashcraft in this game. In 26 starts made this season, Ashcraft has compiled a 13–5 win‑loss record, a 3.59 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP (9th in MLB) and 161 strikeouts which ranks 16th in Major League Baseball. Ashcraft has pitched at a high level recently, allowing one run or less in three of his last four starts made in 2026.
The Pittsburgh Pirates lineup features second baseman Brandon Lowe and outfielder Bryan Reynolds. Lowe has tallied 28 home runs (18th in MLB), 81 RBIs (13th in MLB), 52 walks, 26 doubles and a .792 OPS. Bryan Reynolds has compiled a .261 batting average, 15 home runs, 66 RBIs and a .790 OPS.
St. Louis Cardinals Betting Preview
The St. Louis Cardinals enter Sunday afternoon’s matchup with a 68–69 overall record (3rd in the National League Central) and a 34–37 mark at home. St. Louis has played competitive baseball recently, winning two of the team’s last three games, including 7–5 victory over the Baltimore Orioles three days ago.The Cardinals will start left hander Matthew Liberatore in today’s game. In 26 starts made in 2026, Liberatore has compiled a 5–12 win‑loss record, a 5.44 ERA, a 1.47 WHIP and 132 strikeouts in 129 innings pitched. Liberatore arrives at this contest in poor form, allowing five earned runs or more in two of his last four starts made this season.
Turning our attention to the St. Louis offense, the Cardinals lineup features Alec Burleson and Jordan Walker. Alec Burleson has amassed a .288 batting average, 21 home runs, 99 RBIs (2nd in MLB) and an .830 OPS. Jordan Walker has compiled 27 home runs (18th in MLB), 97 RBIs and an .845 OPS.
Why the Pittsburgh Pirates will win.
• Offensive potential. Brandon Lowe and Bryan Reynolds have been key contributors for the Pittsburgh Pirates lineup.• Starting pitching. Braxton Ashcraft has compiled a 13–5 win‑loss record, a 3.59 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP (9th in MLB) and 161 strikeouts which ranks 16th in Major League Baseball.
• Current form. The Pittsburgh Pirates have played competitive baseball recently, winning three of the team’s last five games.
Why the St. Louis Cardinals will win.
• Home field edge. The St. Louis Cardinals have played competitive baseball at Busch Stadium this season.• Offensive balance. Alec Burleson and Jordan Walker provide a strong foundation to the St. Louis Cardinals lineup.
• Recent form. The St. Louis Cardinals have won two of the team’s last three games.