MLB · September 24, 2026 · 12:36 PM ET
St. Louis Cardinals @ Pittsburgh Pirates
Free LineCrush game report for St. Louis Cardinals @ Pittsburgh Pirates on September 24, 2026, with matchup analysis and pick ideas generated for the daily slate. Reports can update as lineups, injuries, and odds develop, so confirm time-sensitive details before acting.
Matchup Analysis
Skenes gets the finale assignment
Pittsburgh will turn to Paul Skenes for the home finale against Kyle Leahy. Skenes has recorded 192 strikeouts compared to Leahy’s 129, giving the Pirates a significant advantage in swing and miss potential for this matchup.
SourcePirates carry the better late-season momentum
Pittsburgh has won five straight games and holds an 80-77 record, while St. Louis sits at 76-81. Team leadership recently noted that the Pirates have continued to fight and get back up off the mat during this stretch.
SourceCardinals’ offense was blanked Tuesday
St. Louis managed just one hit in a 2-0 loss on Tuesday, with Pittsburgh holding them scoreless through seven innings. The Cardinals now face another Pittsburgh starter capable of suppressing contact and limiting scoring opportunities.
SourcePittsburgh’s home record is a meaningful edge
Pittsburgh is 43-36 at PNC Park while St. Louis has struggled to a 38-43 record on the road. The Pirates have also established a franchise record with 96 home runs at home this season.
SourceSt. Louis is missing useful offensive depth
St. Louis’ lineup depth is affected by a reported season-ending absence. This injury complicates their efforts to solve Pittsburgh’s right-handed starter and generate offense in the finale.
SourceCruz projected in cleanup spot
Oneil Cruz is projected to bat fourth for Pittsburgh in this matchup. Bettors should confirm the official Thursday lineup to ensure he remains in this high-leverage position.
Pick Ideas
Pirates moneyline at -165 or better
Pittsburgh is preferred at -165 or better because of their five-game winning streak and Paul Skenes' 192 strikeouts. The Pirates' strong home record at PNC Park supports backing the favorite in this setting.
Under 7.5 total runs
The under is supported by a Cardinals offense that was recently held to one hit and shut out. Given the pitching matchup of Skenes against a depleted St. Louis lineup, a low-scoring environment is likely.
Paul Skenes over 6.5 strikeouts
Skenes’ high strikeout ceiling supports an over 6.5 look against a Cardinals lineup that has recently struggled to score and is missing key depth. Confirm his posted workload before locking in the position.
St. Louis plus 1.5 runs
For those expecting a close contest, taking the Cardinals at plus 1.5 runs relies on Kyle Leahy’s 3.65 ERA. St. Louis has a path to stay within one run if Leahy can match Skenes in the early innings.
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