The Pittsburgh Pirates host the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday, September 24, 2026. The Pirates hold a slight edge in the standings at 80-78, while the Cardinals sit just below .500 at 77-81. This suggests the Pirates might have a bit more momentum or consistency this season.
Looking at the betting odds, the Cardinals are the away team and are +1.5 underdogs at -174. This means you’d need to bet $174 to win $100 if you take them to cover the 1.5-run spread. The Pirates are favored by 1.5 runs at +144, meaning a $100 bet would win $144 if they cover. The moneyline also favors Pittsburgh at -163, so they are the expected winners, but the Cardinals offer a decent payout on the moneyline at +134.
The total runs line is set at 7.0. The under is slightly favored at -121, indicating sportsbooks expect a lower-scoring game, while the over is nearly even money at +101. This could mean the pitching matchups or game conditions might lean toward fewer runs.
In summary, Pittsburgh is the favorite both on the run line and moneyline, reflecting their better record. The Cardinals, while underdogs, offer value especially if you believe they can keep it close or pull off an upset. The total suggests a moderately low-scoring game. Consider your risk tolerance when deciding between the spread, moneyline, or total.