Match Preview: Pirates vs Cardinals Game Forecast – Thursday, May 21, 2026

Pittsburgh Pirates

@

St. Louis Cardinals

Pittsburgh Pirates Insights

• Braxton Ashcraft – Over/Under 5.5 Strikeouts (+120/-155)
  With 6 hitters who bat from the opposite side in the opposing team’s projected offense, Braxton Ashcraft faces a tough challenge while lacking the platoon advantage in most plate appearances in this game.
  Explain: Right-handed pitchers perform worse against left-handed hitters (and visa-versa). If several hitters hold this advantage against the pitcher, it can have a huge impact on whether he will perform well or struggle on any given day.
• The Pittsburgh Pirates have 3 batters in their projected batting order today with a high (i.e. over 27%) underlying K% (per the leading projection system, THE BAT X) (Jhostynxon Garcia, Oneil Cruz, Konnor Griffin).
  Explain: Teams that have multiple high-strikeout hitters will make it much easier for the opposing pitcher to record strikeouts

St. Louis Cardinals Insights

• St. Louis Cardinals – Moneyline (+110)
  The St. Louis Cardinals outfield defense projects as the 2nd-strongest out of all the teams playing today.
  Explain: Defense is an integral part of preventing hits and runs.
• Alec Burleson – Over/Under 0.5 Hits (-245/+185)
  Alec Burleson’s batting average talent is projected to be in the 94th percentile according to the leading projection system (THE BAT X).
  Explain: THE BAT X is a highly sophisticated projection system that accounts for a multitude of factors and regularly tests among the most accurate systems available. Batting average is the most common measure of a player’s ability to generate hits.
• St. Louis Cardinals – 2H Moneyline
  The St. Louis Cardinals bullpen profiles as the 6th-best in the majors, according to the leading projection system (THE BAT).
  Explain: Most bettors only consider the starting pitcher, but a strong bullpen sneakily creates a tougher matchup for the opposing offense and suppresses a game’s runs.