St. Louis Cardinals vs Pittsburgh Pirates Predictions

Cruz gives Pittsburgh the hitting edge

Oneil Cruz is batting .318 with six home runs since Aug. 18, according to CBS Sports / Field Level Media, a sports outlet and wire-service partnership. His production is the strongest reason to favor Pittsburgh in Tuesday’s home matchup with St. Louis, though SPF’s -155 moneyline requires a win probability above 60.8% to break even.

The same report notes that Pirates closer Mason Montgomery has made 24 consecutive scoreless appearances. That strengthens Pittsburgh’s case if it takes a lead into the ninth, but it doesn't establish a full-bullpen advantage.

The probable starters keep this a pass

CBS Sports / Field Level Media lists Andre Pallante and Jared Jones as the probable starters. Pallante has a 3.70 ERA for St. Louis compared with Jones’s 4.17 for Pittsburgh, although Pallante allowed six earned runs in five innings against San Francisco on Sept. 15. Jones struck out nine while allowing three runs in five innings against Milwaukee in his previous start.

Pittsburgh is a low-confidence winner pick. Pallante’s better season ERA tempers the case for paying -155, and St. Louis at +129 doesn't offer a demonstrated edge either. The moneyline recommendation is Pass.

SPF lists the total at 7, with over -120 and under +100. The starters’ latest outings alone don't justify an over, while Montgomery’s streak covers only one reliever. Pass on the total.