St. Louis Cardinals vs Los Angeles Angels Picks and Predictions April 2nd 2025

Sonny Gray Looks to Steady Cardinals in Series Finale vs. Angels

After two extra-inning heartbreakers, the St. Louis Cardinals turn to veteran right-hander Sonny Gray in hopes of salvaging the final game of their series against the red-hot Los Angeles Angels. The Angels, winners of four of their first five games, have taken the first two matchups in dramatic fashion, with a 5-4 win in 10 innings followed by a 9-7 thriller in 11.

Now, it’s up to Gray to halt the slide and inject some momentum into a Cardinals team looking to reset early in the season.

Gray (1-0, 3.60 ERA) got the Opening Day nod and delivered a solid outing despite a rocky spring marked by illness and diminished velocity. He held his former team, the Minnesota Twins, to two runs on four hits over five innings, fanning six and walking two in a 5-3 win.

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“I feel like I’m trending in a better direction,”
– Sonny Gray on his health and performance recovery

Despite a brutal spring that saw him go 0-3 with a 12.56 ERA and give up eight home runs in just over 14 innings, Gray looked more composed in his regular-season debut. Mixing in his sinker, curveball, and sweeper with renewed command, he’s optimistic about building off that start.

“He did a phenomenal job of mixing, relied on the sinker and the curveball more than normal, and both those pitches were very effective for him.”
– Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol on Gray’s Opening Day outing

Gray has a solid history against the Angels, holding a 6-5 record with a 3.70 ERA across 17 career appearances. The 35-year-old’s experience will be crucial as the Cardinals try to cool off an Angels squad that has found its rhythm at the plate.

The Angels will counter with lefty Yusei Kikuchi (0-1, 4.50 ERA), making his first-ever start against St. Louis. In his season debut, Kikuchi gave up three runs in six innings against the White Sox, showing decent command with five strikeouts and no walks.

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Los Angeles is seeing offensive contributions up and down the lineup. Mike Trout is doing what he does best—producing runs, with four RBIs in the series already. Meanwhile, young utility man Kyren Paris has emerged as an early-season spark plug. After filling in for the injured Jo Adell, Paris delivered a clutch two-out, two-strike RBI single in the 11th inning on Tuesday, highlighting the Angels’ relentless approach.

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“Everyone’s on the same page, and we want to win. We have fight… that’s what it’s all about.”
– Kyren Paris on the Angels’ team chemistry

As the Cardinals look to avoid a sweep and right the ship, all eyes will be on Gray to set the tone early and lead by example.

Whether you’re backing the Cardinals to bounce back or riding the Angels’ momentum, our MLB expert picks offer valuable insights for every matchup this season.