Cardinals and Pirates Face Off in Crucial Pitching Matchup

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — The St. Louis Cardinals prepare to face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates in a critical three-game series starting Monday, April 7, 2025. With several key pitching matchups in play, the outcome may hinge on the respective offenses of both teams.

Historically, the Cardinals have struggled against soft-tossing left-handed pitchers, a concern that continues to resonate with fans. This year, they are tasked with overcoming this trend against various opposing pitchers, including rookie sensations. Ryan Helsley, a reliever for the Cardinals, most recently faced scrutiny after a blown save in the first game of a doubleheader, prompting dissatisfaction among fans. “It’s tough to lose like that, especially when you feel the team is competitive,” Helsley shared following the game.

In terms of player changes, the Cardinals navigated notable departures during the offseason. Yasmani Grandal and Aroldis Chapman both left, while Bryan de la Cruz joined the Atlanta Braves. Recent trades have seen the Cardinals acquire Spencer Horwitz, who is currently sidelined, and veteran left-handed reliever Tim Mayza, who is looking to rebound after a challenging season. The return of Adam Frazier, who spent most of his career in Pittsburgh, is also a significant development for the Cardinals.

Piecing together their roster, the Cardinals have made some strategic adjustments in positions. Oneil Cruz has moved to center field, while Isiah Kiner-Falefa has taken over at shortstop. The team remains in a transitional phase regarding their first base situation, with backup catcher Endy Rodriguez filling in when not behind the plate.

The pitching matchups promising to unfold this series offer intriguing storylines. Matthew Liberatore, who has a 4.40 ERA, will face Carmen Mlodzinski, who boasts a 3.38 ERA despite a challenging start to the season. “We have faith in our pitchers to compete; it’s about putting the pieces together,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol stated.

As the series progresses, Sonny Gray will take the mound against highly-rated rookie Paul Skenes, who currently holds a staggering 1.96 ERA. Each outing pits experience against youth in a highly competitive environment, setting the stage for significant performances from both sides. “Every game counts, and we need to make the most of our opportunities,” Gray commented.

The final matchup will feature Erick Fedde against Mitch Keller. Both pitchers have shown potential while grappling with inconsistent performances. Keller enters with a 4.25 ERA, and fans will be eager to see if he can shake off his last rough outing. “We’re focused on bouncing back and finding our rhythm,” Keller remarked ahead of the game.

This series not only holds importance for their standings but also for the narrative of both teams. With solid pitching talent on display, the outcomes of the games may ultimately rest in the hands of the hitters. The Cardinals look to leverage their offensive capabilities against the Pirates to secure much-needed wins.