St. Louis Cardinals vs Philadelphia Phillies Prediction 8/23/2026 Today’s MLB Picks

The St. Louis Cardinals and the Philadelphia Phillies will meet on Sunday afternoon in the final game of a three‑game National League series at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

St. Louis Cardinals Betting Preview

The St. Louis Cardinals enter Sunday’s contest with a 66–65 overall record (3rd in the National League Central) and a 34–31 mark on the road. The Cardinals offense has been rather pedestrian this season. St. Louis has compiled 581 runs scored (15th in MLB), 187 doubles, a .241 team batting average and 136 home runs which ranks 21st in Major League Baseball.

The Cardinals arrive at tomorrow’s game in below average form. St. Louis has lost three of the team’s last four games played this season, including a 5–4 loss to the Cincinnati Reds three days ago.

St. Louis will turn to right hander Kyle Leahy in this game. In 24 starts made in 2026, Leahy has compiled a 10-4 win‑loss record, a 3.24 ERA, a 1.31 WHIP and 111 strikeouts in 122.1 innings pitched. Kyle Leahy has pitched at a high level recently, allowing one earned run or fewer in three of his last four starts made this season. Leahy will look to build on his recent strong performances on the mound in tomorrow afternoon’s matchup with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Shifting our focus to the St. Louis offense, the Cardinals lineup features Alec Burleson and Jordan Walker. Alec Burleson has amassed a .289 batting average, 21 home runs, 94 RBIs (3rd in MLB) and an .843 OPS. Jordan Walker has compiled 27 home runs (14th in MLB), 96 RBIs and an .857 OPS.                                   

Philadelphia Phillies Betting Preview

The Philadelphia Phillies enter Sunday afternoon’s matchup with a 72–58 overall record (2nd in the National League East) and a 37–30 mark at home. Philadelphia has played outstanding baseball recently, winning the team’s last eight games, including a dominant 9–1 victory over the Minnesota Twins last week.

The Phillies will start left hander Cristopher Sanchez in tomorrow’s game. In 26 starts made this season, Sanchez has compiled a robust 16-4 record, a 2.51 ERA (5th in MLB), a 1.22 WHIP and a massive 187 strikeouts which ranks sixth in Major League Baseball. Sanchez arrives at this contest in good form, allowing one earned run or fewer in three of his last four starts made in 2026.

The Phillies lineup features Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper. Kyle Schwarber has tallied 38 home runs (1st in MLB), 76 RBIs and an .892 OPS. Bryce Harper has amassed 26 home runs, 75 RBIs, 23 doubles, and an .871 OPS.                                              

Why the St. Louis Cardinals will win.

• Offensive firepower. Alec Burleson and Jordan Walker lead the St. Louis Cardinals lineup.

• Starting pitching. In 22 starts made in 2026, Kyle Leahy has compiled a 10-4 win‑loss record, a 3.24 ERA, a 1.31 WHIP and 111 strikeouts.

• Motivation. The St. Louis Cardinals have lost three of the team’s last four games. 

Why the Philadelphia Phillies will win.

• Home field edge. The Philadelphia Phillies have played competitive baseball (37–30) at Citizens Bank Park this season.

• Offensive balance. Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper provide a strong core to the Phillies lineup.

• Starting pitching. Cristopher Sanchez has allowed one earned run or fewer in three of his last four starts.   

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Philadelphia Phillies Prediction

In my view, this matchup favors the Philadelphia Phillies. Why? Philadelphia starting pitcher Cristopher Sanchez arrives at this contest in good form, allowing one earned run or fewer in three of his last four starts made in 2026. Additionally, the Phillies arrive at this contest in outstanding form, winning the team’s last eight games. With that said, Philadelphia is the clear side to be on in this one. I am backing the Philadelphia Phillies on the moneyline in this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Philadelphia Phillies ML