Game Overview
The Colorado Rockies (30–87) head to Busch Stadium to face the St. Louis Cardinals (60–59) on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. First pitch is set for 7:45 PM ET. Colorado is plummeting down the NL standings and playing out the string, while St. Louis is pushing to lock in a postseason spot. The Cards are quietly gaining momentum at home, and this matchup presents a promising angle for bettors looking for value in the starting pitchers. Don’t forget to check out more in-depth breakdowns on our MLB previews hub.
Team Analysis
Colorado’s season has been pure tank mode, with anemic offense and porous defense. The emergence of prospects like Brenton Doyle and Jordan Beck occasionally sparks hope, but consistency is absent from this roster. On the hill, rookie Chase Dollander gives the building some intrigue with his flashes of dominance—but his results haven’t matched the stuff yet.
St. Louis, on the other hand, is playing crisp baseball behind a balanced lineup and a reliable rotation. Matthew Liberatore brings control and command, and the home stands have provided a spark. Carlos Martínez and Nolan Arenado continue to handle the veteran presence, giving this team a steadier feel that bettors trust in must-win games.
Pitching Matchup
| Team | Starter | Record / ERA | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockies | Kyle Freeland (LHP) | 2–12, 5.53 ERA | Lefty veteran with control, but vulnerable in hitter-friendly parks. en.wikipedia.org+15oddsshark.com+15si.com+15vivaelbirdos.com |
| Cardinals | Matthew Liberatore (LHP) | 6–9, 3.98 ERA | Young, efficient, first-pitch strike pitcher who keeps lineups off-balance. oddsshark.commlb.com |
Assessment: Liberatore’s steadiness and command on the inside fastball–changeup plane give Cardinals the edge, especially at home. Freeland, despite the veteran polish, has struggled with contact and will need early run support to hang around.
Head-to-Head & Storylines
Historically, these clubs aren’t tight rivals, but this is still a contrast of motives: the Cards are motivated and disciplined; the Rockies are auditioning for next year. Motivation doesn’t hit the scoresheet—but it sure hits the betting lines.
Key Players to Watch
Rockies: Brenton Doyle—his speed and contact ability offer the only real spark on offense.
Cardinals: Nolan Arenado—when he’s locked in, he elevates the whole lineup.
Recent Form & Critical Factors
Colorado has lost seven straight games, showing offensive futility and a bullpen in shambles. St. Louis is riding a couple of series wins and a better overall vibe. Busch Stadium suppresses Rockies pitching even more—large outfield and forgiving for strike zone mistakes—tilting the advantage to the home side.
Best Bets & Prediction
- Cardinals Moneyline — Liberatore’s control and Colorado’s losing skid point sharply toward St. Louis.
- First Five Innings – Cardinals ML — Good chance Liberatore is ahead early before bullpen variables.
- Under 9 Runs — Both starters and the Cardinals’ control-oriented style suggest a contained total.
Final Score Prediction:
Cardinals 6 – Rockies 2. Liberatore sets the tone, Cardinals’ offense tags Freeland early, and St. Louis eases this one home.
