Tigers vs Cardinals predictions
When the Detroit Tigers take the field at Busch Stadium, there’s plenty of reason to expect good things from a few key guys in their lineup. Riley Greene has been ripping the cover off the ball lately, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him reach base a couple of times, maybe even finding the gap for an extra-base hit. Spencer Torkelson is looking like a prime candidate to drive in some runs—he’s been seeing the ball well and his knack for clutch RBIs could definitely show up in a tight series decider. Zach McKinstry’s been sneaky consistent at the plate, so pencil him in for a multi-hit night if he stays locked in. With Brant Hurter getting the nod on the mound, there’s potential for around five solid innings, limiting the damage and keeping the Tigers in striking distance.
On the St. Louis side, you’ve got Brendan Donovan setting the table at an impressive clip. It feels pretty likely he’ll tack on another couple of hits, maybe sparking a rally somewhere in the middle innings. Ivan Herrera’s been getting on base steadily and could be in for a nice stat line, especially if he picks his spots against Detroit’s pitching. And you can never count out Nolan Arenado—he tends to come up big in these decisive games, so expect him to chip in with a key RBI or two. Andre Pallante is starting for the Cardinals, and while he’s not always dominant, he’s crafty enough to work around any trouble and keep the damage manageable, especially with home field on his side.
So, who’s got the upper hand? With both lineups rolling and the series up for grabs, a lot hinges on which pitching staff holds up under pressure. The Tigers have been strong on the road, but the Cardinals’ bats have been just a tick more consistent, especially at home. If I had to pick, I’d lean slightly toward the Cardinals to edge it out—home cooking, a steady lineup, and just enough pitching grit to squeak by in a close one. That said, it’s baseball—anything can happen, and that’s what makes matchups like these so much fun to watch.
