Oneil Cruz is heating back up offensively, scoring runs in three consecutive games and recording nine total bases over the last two.
My Cardinals vs. Pirates predictions expect Cruz to shine once again on home soil, where he's produced at a much higher rate all year long.
Let’s dive deeper into my MLB picks for June 30.
Cardinals vs Pirates prediction
My Cardinals vs Pirates best bet: Oneil Cruz Over 1.5 hits+runs+RBI (-137 at Caesars)
⚾ Pick Analysis
Oneil Cruz has not had a good month, but he appears to be coming out of his slump. He's recorded nine total bases over the last two games, headlined by a multi-home run performance against the New York Mets.
The good times should continue for Cruz tonight against Erick Fedde, with a lot of numbers working in his favor.
Cruz has hit righties well this season, sporting a .250 average and a hard-hit rate above 60%. Those numbers are worlds better than what he’s produced against lefties.
Conversely, Fedde has performed far worse against left-handed batters, such as Cruz. He's held righties to a .221 average and .104 ISO but allowed a .267 average and .170 ISO vs. lefties.
Beyond the handedness splits making this a positive matchup for the Pittsburgh Pirates slugger, he also excels against Fedde’s pitch mix.
He’s hitting .300 with a .240 ISO against the cutter, sinker, sweeper, and changeup over the last two months and is getting on base consistently while also hitting for power.
Lastly, playing at home has proven to be a big benefit for Cruz. His hit rate against right-handed pitchers was 13% higher in Pittsburgh last season, and the gap is even larger this year.
Caesars QuickPick: Our Cardinals vs Pirates same-game parlay (SGP)
Oneil Cruz Over 1.5 hits+runs+RBI
Willson Contreras Over 1.5 hits+runs+RBI
Brendan Donovan Over 0.5 runs
🚀 SGP Analysis
Andrew Heaney hasn't pitched well this month, at all. He owns an ERA above 7.0 and owns the worst FIP of any projected starter for Monday’s slate.
He's posted a .280 average over the past month, while also allowing a significant amount of power, with his ISO, line-drive rate, and hard-hit rate all exceeding the league average.
Willson Contreras is a prime candidate to take advantage. He's hit lefties well this year, posting a higher average while all the numbers under the hood are also more promising.
Given as much, it should be no surprise Contreras cleared Over 1.5 H+R+RBI in 57% of his games against southpaws — well above his 50% success rate vs. righties.
Lastly, I like Brendan Donovan’s chances of scoring a run, as he's a hit machine who lives on the basepaths. Hitting at the top of the order in a game featuring a total trending toward the Over, there’s a lot to like with Donovan.
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Cardinals vs Pirates odds
Cardinals vs Pirates live odds
Cardinals vs Pirates opening odds
- Moneyline: St. Louis -125 | Pittsburgh +105
- Run line: St. Louis -1.5 (+135) | Pittsburgh +1.5 (-161)
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-115) | Under 8.5 (-105)
Odds courtesy of Caesars.
Cardinals vs Pirates trend
Oneil Cruz has recorded multiple H+R+RBI in 61% of home games against right-handed starting pitchers. Find more MLB betting trends for Cardinals vs. Pirates.
How to watch Cardinals vs Pirates and game info
| Location | PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA |
| Date | Monday, 6-30-2025 |
| First pitch | 6:40 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN MW, SNP |
| Cardinals starting pitcher | Erick Fedde (3-7, 4.11 ERA) |
| Pirates starting pitcher | Andrew Heaney (3-7, 4.48 ERA) |
Cardinals vs Pirates latest injuries
Cardinals vs Pirates weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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