The St. Louis Cardinals take on the Tampa Bay Rays in the second game of a four-game series on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 7:35 PM EDT at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. With the Cardinals looking to build on their recent 7-4 win and the Rays aiming to rebound, this matchup carries series momentum. Fans seeking an edge can trust this expert preview, featuring key player insights, a pitching matchup, and a prediction—elevate your game with our proven MLB strategies now!
St. Louis Cardinals
- 2025 Record (as of August 21): 63-65, 4th in NL Central
- Performance Overview: The Cardinals are 2-8 in their last 10 games but secured a 7-4 win over the Rays on August 21, driven by Alec Burleson’s two RBIs. Their pitching ranks 15th in ERA (3.85), led by Sonny Gray, while the offense (.252 BA) relies on Burleson’s recent surge.
- Strengths: Resilient bullpen and opportunistic hitting.
- Weaknesses: Inconsistent starting pitching and injuries to key players like Nolan Arenado (shoulder).
- Player to Watch: Alec Burleson (LF) – .259 AVG with 2 RBIs on August 21, a key against Rays’ pitching.
Tampa Bay Rays
- 2025 Record (as of August 21): 61-66, 4th in AL East
- Performance Overview: The Rays are 5-5 in their last 10 but lost 7-4 to the Cardinals on August 21, despite a late rally. Their pitching ranks 10th in ERA (3.58), led by Joe Boyle, while the offense (.255 BA) is powered by Brandon Lowe’s recent contributions.
- Strengths: Effective pitching staff and home-field adaptability.
- Weaknesses: Struggling offense and limited base-stealing (20 steals).
- Player to Watch: Brandon Lowe (2B) – .259 AVG with a run scored on August 21, a potential spark.
Head-to-Head Record
- Historical Context: The 2025 season series is tied at 1-1, with the Cardinals winning 7-4 on August 21 and no prior meetings this year.
- Recent Encounter: On August 21, the Cardinals overcame a 56% deserved-to-win probability for the Rays, securing a 7-4 victory with JoJo Romero’s two-inning save.
- Key Insight: The Rays’ home advantage could challenge the Cardinals’ inconsistent road form.
Pitching Matchups Table
| Team | Pitcher | Record | ERA | Innings Pitched | Strikeouts | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardinals | Matt Svanson (RHP) | 0-0 | 0.00 | 0.0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Rays | Shane Baz (RHP) | 2-1 | 3.18 | 22.2 | 23 | 1.15 |
Strengths and Negatives of Pitchers
- Matt Svanson (Cardinals)
- Strengths: Rookie potential with a fastball reaching 95 mph, untested in 2025 but showing promise in minors.
- Negatives: No major league innings yet, making his performance against the Rays unpredictable.
- Shane Baz (Rays)
- Strengths: Solid ERA (3.18) and a slider (32% usage) effective against right-handed hitters like Burleson.
- Negatives: Limited innings (22.2 IP) and a recent 4.68 ERA over his last three starts suggest inconsistency.
Key Players to Monitor
- St. Louis Cardinals:
- Alec Burleson (LF): .259 AVG, 2 RBIs on August 21, a rising star.
- Lars Nootbaar (CF): .265 AVG, scored on August 21, adding depth.
- Iván Herrera (C): .250 AVG, scored on August 21, clutch potential.
- Tampa Bay Rays:
- Brandon Lowe (2B): .259 AVG, run scored on August 21, key hitter.
- Josh Lowe (RF): .284 AVG, .336 OBP, recent base-running threat.
- Chandler Simpson (CF): .316 AVG, scored on August 21, speed factor.
Recent Performance
- St. Louis Cardinals: 2-8 in their last 10, outscored by 12 runs, with a 7-4 win on August 21.
- Tampa Bay Rays: 5-5 in their last 10, outscored by 3 runs, with a 7-4 loss on August 21.
Critical Factors
- Venue: George M. Steinbrenner Field’s dimensions favor pitchers, aiding Baz’s control.
- Weather: Forecasted at 85°F with clear skies (per recent trends), ideal for hitting.
- Momentum: Cardinals’ recent win contrasts with Rays’ need to rebound.
- Betting Odds: Rays favored at -121, with over/under at 8.5 (per posts found on X), suggesting a tight game.
Prediction
The Tampa Bay Rays are favored to win, leveraging Shane Baz’s 3.18 ERA and their home advantage. Matt Svanson’s untested status and the Cardinals’ 2-8 run suggest vulnerabilities, though Burleson could keep it close. The game may hinge on the Rays’ bullpen maintaining control.
Final Prediction: Tampa Bay Rays win, 5-3. Baz outpitches Svanson, with Lowe delivering a key hit.
Best Bets
- Moneyline: Tampa Bay Rays (-121) – The Rays’ home form and pitching edge make them a solid pick.
- Over 8.5 Runs – Recent offensive trends and weather conditions support a higher-scoring game.
- Brandon Lowe to Record 2+ Total Bases (+150) – Lowe’s recent form offers good value.
This preview, based on the latest trends and stats as of August 21, 2025, delivers expert, trustworthy, and engaging content for MLB fans. Watch live on MLBN.
