St. Louis Cardinals vs Pittsburgh Pirates Predictions Today: Kyle Leahy vs Paul Skenes
The Pittsburgh Pirates will beat the St. Louis Cardinals, with a projected score of Pirates 5, Cardinals 3. Paul Skenes' longer recent outings and Pittsburgh's better bullpen numbers give the home team the edge. Confidence is low, however, and neither Pirates -1.5 (+145) nor either side of the total of 7 offers a strong enough case for an official wager.
St. Louis Cardinals vs Pittsburgh Pirates prediction and best bet
Pittsburgh is the pick because its pitching advantages extend beyond the first few innings. Skenes completed at least five innings in four of his last five starts. Kyle Leahy reached four innings once over his corresponding stretch, putting more responsibility on a Cardinals bullpen with the higher ERA and WHIP.
That combination favors the Pirates, but the best betting decision is Pass. Leahy owns the lower season ERA, and Skenes has allowed five earned runs twice in his last five starts. A projected two-run victory is a reasonable forecast, not enough by itself to make Pittsburgh -1.5 (+145) good value. The total also carries competing signals.
Odds, game time and how to watch
Game time: Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 12:35 p.m. ET, during the 2026 MLB season. Venue: PNC Park.
Broadcast: SportsNet Pittsburgh and Cardinals.TV Presented by bet365.
Records: St. Louis 77-81 overall, 39-38 away; Pittsburgh 80-78 overall, 43-37 at home.
Probable starters: Right-handers Kyle Leahy for St. Louis and Paul Skenes for Pittsburgh.
SportsJaw moneylines: Cardinals +140; Pirates -156.
SportsJaw run lines: Cardinals +1.5 (-170); Pirates -1.5 (+145). Total: Over 7 (-105); Under 7 (-115).