The Pittsburgh Pirates are set to clash with the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium come September 17, 2024. The first pitch is slated for 7:45 PM under what is expected to be clear skies. Bailey Falter, with a 4.197 ERA, will lead Pittsburgh’s pitching lineup, while Lance Lynn, recording a 3.961 ERA, will take the mound for St. Louis.

In the current 2024 NL Central Division standings, the Pittsburgh Pirates find themselves in 12th place with a 71-79 record, a .47 winning percentage, and a divisional record of 22-21, ranking them 5th in the division. They have won 5 of their last 10 games and are on a one-game losing streak. The Pirates have recorded 38 wins and 40 losses at home, with an away record of 33-39. They have claimed victory in 33 day games against 38 wins during night games, scoring a total of 627 runs and conceding 684.

The St. Louis Cardinals, on the other hand, are positioned 9th in the division, showcasing a balanced 75-75 win-loss record and a .500 winning percentage. Their divisional standing sees them at 3rd with a 24-25 record. They have secured 4 wins in their last 10 outings and are currently on a one-game winning streak. With a 40-35 home record and a 35-40 away performance, the Cardinals have triumphed in 33 daytime matches and 42 nighttime encounters, tallying 611 runs while allowing 674.

Bettors should note the following odds for this matchup: The point spread stands at -1.5, favoring St. Louis. The over/under for the game is set at 8.0 runs. The money line offers -138 for a Cardinals home win and +118 for a Pirates victory on the road. These figures suggest a slight advantage for the Cardinals, indicating a potentially close and competitive game.