Pittsburgh Pirates vs St. Louis Cardinals Picks and Predictions July 24th 2024

After two nail-biters, Cards and Pirates vie for series win

Not much separates the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals in the National League wild-card race. Both teams have shown resilience and tenacity in their recent matchups, with the Pirates taking the first game and the Cardinals bouncing back in the second. As they gear up for the decisive game, fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an exciting conclusion to this critical series.

The Battle for the National League Wild-Card

The race for the National League wild-card spot is heating up, with the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals neck and neck in the standings. The outcome of their series could significantly impact both teams’ playoff chances, making each game crucial. Currently, the Cardinals hold a slight edge, but the Pirates are within striking distance, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown.

Game 1: Pirates’ Victory

In the opening game of the series, the Pirates secured a 2-1 victory, thanks to a stellar performance from rookie pitcher Paul Skenes. Skenes, who recently started for the National League All-Star team, pitched 8 1/3 innings, allowing only two runs and striking out eight. Despite his efforts, the Cardinals managed to edge out a win, demonstrating their resilience and depth. This victory pulled the Pirates within one game of the Cardinals, intensifying the competition for the wild-card spot.

Game 2: Cardinals’ Comeback

The second game saw the Cardinals rally to a 2-1 victory, keeping the Pirates from pulling even in the standings. The atmosphere in Pittsburgh was electric, resembling a playoff game. Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol praised his team for their toughness and competitive spirit. Alec Burleson played a pivotal role, delivering the decisive RBI single in the ninth inning. This win not only boosted the Cardinals’ morale but also highlighted the tight nature of the wild-card race.

Pitching Duel Analysis

The first two games of the series were characterized by outstanding pitching performances. Paul Skenes showcased his talent and potential, while the Cardinals’ bullpen effectively shut down the Pirates’ offense in Game 2. The tight scores in both games underscored the importance of pitching in this high-stakes series, with each team relying heavily on their aces to secure crucial victories.

Paul Skenes: Rookie Sensation

Paul Skenes has been a revelation for the Pirates this season. His impressive stats and ability to perform under pressure have made him a key player for the team. Despite his loss in Game 1, Skenes’ performance was nothing short of sensational, reaffirming his status as a rising star in Major League Baseball. His development and future potential will be critical for the Pirates as they continue to vie for a playoff spot.

Martin Perez: Pirates’ Hope

The Pirates will turn to left-hander Martin Perez for the decisive game. Perez’s recent struggles have been a concern, but his previous success against the Cardinals provides hope. On July 4, Perez held the Cardinals to one run over 7 1/3 innings, showcasing his ability to dominate their lineup. With a career 2.36 ERA against St. Louis, Perez’s performance will be crucial in determining the outcome of the series.

Pirates’ Offensive Struggles

Offensive consistency has been a challenge for the Pirates. Despite a strong stretch leading into and coming out of the All-Star break, the team has struggled to maintain momentum. Key players, such as Ke’Bryan Hayes, have faced slumps and injuries, impacting the team’s ability to generate runs. Addressing these issues will be vital for the Pirates as they look to capitalize on their pitching strengths.

Ke’Bryan Hayes: Struggling to Find Form

Third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes has been dealing with a lingering back injury, affecting his performance. Since his last home run on June 18, Hayes has only managed two doubles in 26 games. Pirates manager Derek Shelton has emphasized the importance of Hayes getting hot and driving the baseball consistently. His ability to return to form could provide a significant boost to the Pirates’ offense in the crucial final game of the series.

Cardinals’ Offensive Stars

Alec Burleson has been a standout performer for the Cardinals in July, boasting a .347 batting average and 22 RBIs. His consistent production and ability to deliver in clutch situations have been instrumental for the team. Alongside Burleson, other key offensive contributors have stepped up, providing the Cardinals with the firepower needed to stay competitive in the wild-card race.

Game 3: Decisive Matchup

The final game of the series is set to be a decisive showdown. The Pirates will rely on Martin Perez to stifle the Cardinals’ offense, while St. Louis will counter with a bullpen day, utilizing Matthew Liberatore as a potential bulk-innings reliever. Key players to watch include Alec Burleson for the Cardinals and Ke’Bryan Hayes for the Pirates, both of whom could significantly influence the game’s outcome.

Matthew Liberatore: Cardinals’ Secret Weapon

Matthew Liberatore has transitioned from a starter to a reliable reliever for the Cardinals. In his previous outings against the Pirates, Liberatore has been effective, holding them scoreless over 2 1/3 innings this season. His role in the bullpen day strategy will be crucial, as the Cardinals look to manage their pitching resources effectively and secure a series win.

Bullpen Strategies

With the Cardinals opting for a bullpen day, their strategy will revolve around effective management of their relievers. This approach has both risks and rewards, depending on the bullpen’s performance. On the other hand, the Pirates’ bullpen has shown resilience, and their ability to maintain leads and close out games will be tested in the series finale.

Managerial Strategies

The tactical acumen of Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol and Pirates manager Derek Shelton has been on full display throughout the series. Marmol’s decision-making in high-pressure situations and Shelton’s management of injuries and slumping players have been pivotal. Their strategies in the final game will play a significant role in determining the series winner.

Impact of Home Field Advantage

Playing at home has provided the Pirates with a significant boost, with the enthusiastic crowd creating a playoff-like atmosphere. Home field advantage can influence player performance and morale, making Pittsburgh’s support a crucial factor in the series. The impact of the home crowd will be a key element as the Pirates look to secure a vital win.

Final Thoughts

As the Cardinals and Pirates prepare for the decisive game of their series, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Both teams have shown resilience and competitiveness, with each game being a nail-biter. The outcome of this series will play a crucial role in shaping the National League wild-card race, making it a must-watch for baseball fans.

Conclusion

The series between the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals has been a thrilling display of competitive baseball, with each game showcasing the intensity and skill of both teams. As they vie for the series win and a crucial position in the National League wild-card race, fans can expect another exciting and closely contested game. The outcome will not only impact the standings but also set the tone for the remainder of the season.

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