On the evening of September 18, 2024, the Pittsburgh Pirates are set to challenge the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium starting at 07:45 PM, under a sky of broken clouds. Jake Woodford will be taking the mound for the Pirates, showcasing an ERA of 8.011, while Sonny Gray, with an ERA of 3.753, will pitch for the Cardinals.

In terms of division standings within the NL Central in 2024, the Pirates currently sit in fifth place with a record of 71-80, showing a .470 win rate and matching their divisional record of 22-22. The team has found some rhythm recently, securing five wins from their last ten games but is currently under the shadow of a two-game losing streak. The Pirates show a home record of 38-40 and an almost similar road record.

Comparatively, the Cardinals stand ninth in the same division, holding a slightly better record of 76-75 and a .500 winning percentage. They have maintained a balanced division record of 25-25 and are currently on a winning streak of two games. The Cardinals have performed decently at home with a 41-35 record.

Focusing on betting odds, the Cardinals are favored with a -1.5 point spread and an Over/Under set at 8.0. The HomeTeamMoneyLine is positioned at -202, suggesting stronger confidence in a Cardinals’ victory, while the AwayTeamMoneyLine at 168 reflects the underdog status of the Pirates, offering potentially higher returns for a riskier bet.