The Pittsburgh Pirates will look to snap a three-game losing streak in their series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals today.
Aided by a starting pitching advantage, my Pirates vs. Cardinals predictions see the road team getting back on track.
Let's take a closer look at my MLB picks for Tuesday, May 19.
Who will win Pirates vs Cardinals today: Pittsburgh Pirates (-110)
Matthew Liberatore owns a 4.40 ERA, and that is flattering based on how he has pitched. He ranks in the 10th percentile in xERA (5.83) and the fifth in xBA (.297).
He has started four games against teams ranking in the Top-10 in OBP and Top-16 in walk rate. Liberatore allowed four earned runs in three of them.
The Pittsburgh Pirates are in a good spot to score, and it'll be difficult for the St. Louis Cardinals to keep up. Mitch Keller has allowed two runs or fewer in five of six starts against teams outside of the Top 10 in OBP.
COVERS INTEL: The Pirates rank eighth in line drive rate against left-handed pitching this month.
Pirates vs Cardinals Over/Under pick: Over 8.0 (-115)
The Pirates lead the majors in hard-hit rate against left-handed pitching, ranking just ahead of the Yankees and Dodgers. That's a sign results should follow – especially facing a vulnerable pitcher like Liberatore.
Konnor Griffin and Bryan Reynolds own wOBAs above .365 vs. lefties, while Oneil Cruz (.237) and Brandon Lowe (.196) have provided power. They have the weapons to score.
Keller has performed much worse against left-handed hitters, and the Cardinals are expected to start five, headlined by JJ Wetherholt and Alec Burleson.
This total should be half a run higher.
- ML/RL bets: 18-14, -0.78 units
- Over/Under bets: 15-16-1, -3.46 units
Pirates vs Cardinals odds
- Moneyline: Pirates -110 | Cardinals -110
- Run line: Pirates -1.5 (+150) | Cardinals +1.5 (-175)
- Over/Under: Over 8.0 (-115) | Under 8.0 (-115)
Pirates vs Cardinals trend
Pittsburgh has hit the moneyline in 16 of the last 30 away games (+4.3 units, 13% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Pirates vs. Cardinals.
How to watch Pirates vs Cardinals and game info
| Location | Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO |
| Date | Tuesday, May 19, 2026 |
| First pitch | 7:45 p.m. ET |
| TV | SNP, Cardinals.TV |
| Pirates starting pitcher | Mitch Keller (4-2, 3.59 ERA) |
| Cardinals starting pitcher | Matthew Liberatore (2-2, 4.40 ERA) |
Pirates vs Cardinals latest injuries
Pirates vs Cardinals weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
