The St. Louis Cardinals head south to loanDepot park for a Tuesday night showdown with the Miami Marlins on August 19, 2025. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 PM ET in Miami, with both clubs eager to build momentum in the thick of the late-season grind. The Cardinals remain in the NL Central hunt thanks to steady pitching and timely hitting, while the Marlins look to disrupt the standings with their young arms and a scrappy lineup.
Team Analysis
St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals enter this matchup fighting to keep pace in the NL Central, relying on a balanced approach of pitching depth and a veteran-led lineup. Paul Goldschmidt continues to anchor the middle of the order, flashing both power and patience, while Nolan Arenado has heated up in August, delivering clutch extra-base hits. St. Louis has also benefited from contributions from its younger players like Masyn Winn and Jordan Walker, who are adding speed and athleticism to complement the veterans.
On the mound, the Cardinals’ rotation has been steady, with Miles Mikolas providing innings and lefty Steven Matz finding consistency after early-season struggles. The bullpen, featuring closer Ryan Helsley, has been a stabilizing force, often bailing out tight games with high-leverage outs.
Miami Marlins
The Marlins, though outside the playoff picture, have shown flashes of competitiveness at home. Jazz Chisholm Jr. remains the face of the franchise, blending power and speed, while Jesús Sánchez and Jake Burger provide much-needed pop. The offense has been inconsistent but dangerous enough to take advantage of mistakes.
Pitching has long been Miami’s calling card, and this season is no exception. Braxton Garrett has emerged as a reliable rotation piece, complementing young arms like Eury Pérez and Trevor Rogers (when healthy). In the bullpen, Tanner Scott has taken on late-inning duties, showcasing high strikeout ability. Playing in the pitcher-friendly confines of loanDepot park, the Marlins’ staff can often neutralize opposing sluggers.
Key Factors to Watch
- Arenado vs. Marlins’ Lefties: Arenado’s career numbers against left-handed pitching make him a prime threat if Miami starts a southpaw.
- Miami’s Home Advantage: The Marlins have played tighter games at home, with their pitching keeping them in contests.
- Cardinals’ Bullpen: Helsley and company could be the deciding factor in a one-run game.
Prediction
This matchup sets up as a clash between the Cardinals’ experienced, veteran-heavy lineup and the Marlins’ young pitching staff. If St. Louis can string together early offense, they have the bullpen depth to lock down a lead. Miami, however, could make this a grinder of a game if their pitching keeps it low scoring.
Final Score Prediction: Cardinals 5, Marlins 3
Best Bets
- Cardinals Moneyline (-125 or better): St. Louis’ experience and bullpen give them the edge.
- Under 8 Runs: loanDepot park suppresses offense, and both bullpens are capable.
- Nolan Arenado to Record an RBI: A solid matchup opportunity against Miami’s rotation.
