The New York Yankees head to Busch Stadium to open a three-game interleague series against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday night at 8:15 PM ET. Both clubs enter the matchup needing wins — the Yankees are pushing to maintain their AL playoff spot, while the Cardinals are trying to close ground in the NL Central.
This series opener features a duel between young Yankees right-hander Luis Gil and Cardinals sinkerballer Andre Pallante.
Recent Form
New York Yankees – The Yankees are 6-4 over their last 10, with a balanced mix of power hitting and solid pitching. Aaron Judge and Juan Soto have been leading the offense, while the bullpen remains one of the strongest in the league.
St. Louis Cardinals – The Cardinals are 4-6 in their last 10 and have struggled with consistency. However, they’ve played competitive baseball at home, and their offense can ignite quickly when Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt get hot.
Pitching Matchup
| Pitcher | Team | Record | ERA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luis Gil | NYY | 8-5 | 3.42 |
| Andre Pallante | STL | 6-7 | 4.35 |
Luis Gil – A hard-throwing righty with a live fastball, Gil has the ability to miss bats but occasionally battles control issues. His success depends on getting ahead in the count.
Andre Pallante – Relies on a sinker and off-speed mix to induce ground balls. When he’s keeping the ball down, he can frustrate power-heavy lineups like the Yankees.
Key Players to Watch
- Aaron Judge (NYY) – One of MLB’s premier sluggers, capable of altering the game in a single at-bat.
- Juan Soto (NYY) – On-base machine who pairs patience with power.
- Paul Goldschmidt (STL) – Veteran hitter with a history of clutch performances.
- Nolan Arenado (STL) – Brings elite defense and dangerous gap power.
Key Factors to Watch
- Yankees’ Power vs. Pallante’s Sinker – Can St. Louis keep the ball in the park?
- Bullpen Battle – New York holds the edge in late-game relief pitching.
- Clutch Hitting – The Cardinals will need timely knocks to keep pace.
Best Bets
- Yankees Moneyline (-140) – The pitching and bullpen edge tilt toward New York.
- Aaron Judge to Hit a Home Run – Busch Stadium plays fair for right-handed power.
- Over 8 Runs (-110) – Both offenses have the potential to produce multi-run innings.
Prediction
The Yankees’ ability to hit for power and work deep counts should wear down Pallante and get to the Cardinals bullpen by the middle innings. While St. Louis has the talent to keep it close, New York’s depth gives them the upper hand.
Final Score Prediction:
New York Yankees 6, St. Louis Cardinals 4
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