Prop Bets: Pittsburgh Pirates VS St. Louis Cardinals 2025-08-28
Pirates vs. Cardinals: A Tale of Two Teams (and One Very Tired Pitcher)
Date: August 28, 2025 | Time: 6:16 PM ET | Location: Busch Stadium
The Setup:
The Pittsburgh Pirates (59-75) limp into St. Louis as underdogs (+200) against the Cardinals (65-69), who’ve lost 9 of their last 13 games but somehow still have a pulse. Braxton Ashcraft (PIT) faces Miles Mikolas (STL), a pitcher who’s seen better days—like 2018, when he didn’t have to face this lineup.
Why the Pirates Might Win:
- Recent History: The Pirates shut out the Cardinals 2-1 last time, thanks to a rookie named Bubba Chandler. Let’s pretend that means something.
- Miles Mikolas: The Cardinals’ starter has a 4.50 ERA in August. He’s like a broken clock—sometimes it’s technically correct, but mostly it’s just sad.
- Oneil Cruz: The Pirates’ slugger is -135 to hit 1.5+ HRs. If he connects, it’ll be his 25th HR of the season. If not, he’ll join the “Still Waiting” club.
Why the Cardinals Might Win:
- Home Field: Busch Stadium’s got a 51-28 home record. It’s not a fortress, but it’s a decent shoebox.
- Willson Contreras: The catcher is -115 to hit 1.5+ HRs. If he goes deep, the Cardinals might forget how to lose for 5 minutes.
- The Spread: At -1.5 runs, they just need to avoid looking like the team that lost 8-3 to the Pirates last week.
Player Props to Watch:
- Oneil Cruz (PIT): Over/Under 1.5 HR (-135/115). Bet the Over if you believe in hope.
- Miles Mikolas (STL): Over 3.5 Ks (+110). He’s struck out 5 or fewer in 4 of his last 5 starts. Bet the Under.
- Bryan Reynolds (PIT): Over 1.5 HRs (-150). He’s hit 2 HRs in his last 3 games. Bet the Over if you’re masochistic.
The Verdict:
This is a pitcher’s duel only a mother could love. Ashcraft (-175 to get 4.5+ Ks) will likely outduel Mikolas, and the Pirates’ bats will scrape together enough runs to win 4-2. The Over 8 runs (-110) is a trap.
Final Prediction:
Pittsburgh Pirates 4, St. Louis Cardinals 2
Because the Cardinals need a win like they need a hole in the head.
Responsible Betting Reminder: If you’re this bad at math, maybe stick to batting practice.
Created: Aug. 28, 2025, 6:12 p.m. GMT