The New York Yankees travel to Busch Stadium to face the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday, August 16, 2025, in an interleague showdown under the lights. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 PM ET on FOX, making this one of the marquee matchups of the weekend. With both clubs battling for playoff positioning in their respective leagues, this game carries extra weight.
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Team Analysis
New York Yankees
The Yankees’ season has been powered by a relentless lineup and a deep pitching staff. Aaron Judge remains the face of the franchise, leading with both his bat and glove, while Juan Soto continues to be an on-base machine. The addition of young talents like Anthony Volpe has given this team balance between veteran power and youthful energy. While their bullpen has been tested, closer Clay Holmes has been steady in high-leverage situations.
St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis has turned their season around after a slow start, fueled by a rejuvenated Paul Goldschmidt and a red-hot Nolan Arenado. The Cardinals’ offense has been more consistent in recent weeks, and their pitching staff, backed by Sonny Gray at the top, has been able to limit damage while giving the lineup opportunities to produce. Rookie Jordan Walker continues to impress, showing flashes of becoming a cornerstone player.
Recent Form
- Yankees: 7-3 in their last 10 games, averaging 5.6 runs per game.
- Cardinals: 6-4 in their last 10 games, averaging 4.8 runs per game.
Pitching Matchup
| Team | Pitcher | Hand | W-L | ERA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yankees | Max Fried | LHP | 11-5 | 3.18 |
| Cardinals | Sonny Gray | RHP | 9-6 | 3.65 |
Max Fried (NYY) – A master of mixing pitches, Fried has been a dependable arm in the Yankees’ rotation. His ability to generate soft contact keeps him in control, and his postseason experience adds an edge in big games.
Sonny Gray (STL) – Gray continues to be one of the more underrated starters in the NL. His precise command and ability to miss bats give the Cardinals a fighting chance against even the league’s toughest lineups.
Key Players to Watch
- NYY: Aaron Judge – Power threat who can alter the game with one swing.
- NYY: Juan Soto – Elite plate discipline and consistent contact.
- STL: Paul Goldschmidt – Veteran presence and offensive anchor.
- STL: Nolan Arenado – Run producer and defensive standout at third.
Prediction
This matchup has the feel of a tightly contested pitchers’ duel early on, with both Fried and Gray capable of neutralizing power hitters. However, the Yankees’ deeper lineup may give them the edge in the later innings.
Final Score Prediction: Yankees 4, Cardinals 3
Best Bets
- Under 8 Runs – Both starters capable of going deep into the game with minimal damage.
- Yankees Moneyline – New York’s late-game offense could be the difference.
- Aaron Judge to Hit a Home Run – Busch Stadium’s dimensions favor right-handed power if the ball is elevated.
