Two teams already eliminated from the postseason open a three-game set at PNC Park on Tuesday, but the pitching matchup gives this one real betting texture. Jared Jones has been dominant in September, while Andre Pallante is trying to shake off a rough final start against San Francisco. Pittsburgh sits at -152 on the moneyline, and the total has already dropped from its opening number. Our top play leans on how both starters are trending.
Last Updated: Tuesday, September 22, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates — Time & How to Watch
| Where | PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA |
| When | Tuesday, September 22 – 6:40 PM ET |
| TV | SportsNet Pittsburgh, Cardinals.TV |
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Preview
The pitching matchup drives this game. MLB.com lists Jared Jones and Andre Pallante as the probable starters. Jones brings a 4-6 record, a 4.17 ERA, a 1.19 WHIP and 109 strikeouts in 90 2/3 innings. That works out to nearly 11 strikeouts per nine innings. He returned in late May after missing all of 2025 following elbow surgery.
His September form is the headline. Jones blanked the Angels over six innings with nine strikeouts. He then threw seven scoreless innings at Chicago against the White Sox, allowing one hit and fanning eight. His last outing against Milwaukee produced three runs over five innings, but he struck out nine more. Across those three starts, he allowed three earned runs in 18 innings with 26 strikeouts and four walks.
Pallante takes a 12-7 record and a 3.70 ERA to the mound, with 104 strikeouts. He pitches to contact rather than missing bats. His last start was his worst in some time. San Francisco tagged him for eight runs, six earned, over five innings. Before that, however, he allowed just one run in five innings at both Colorado and San Francisco.
Pittsburgh enters at 79-77, while St. Louis is 76-80. Both clubs have been eliminated from playoff contention. Pittsburgh needs three wins in its final six games to finish with a winning record. The Cardinals beat Washington 5-3 at home on Sunday.
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Odds
| Run Line | Moneyline | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardinals | +1.5 (-175) | +127 | U 7 (+105) |
| Pirates | -1.5 (+150) | -152 | O 7 (-125) |
Odds accurate as of Tuesday, September 22, 2026 via TheSpread.com. Odds change, get the latest MLB Odds – Futures – Props
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates — Who Is the Public Betting?
| Cardinals | 67% | 33% | Pirates |
See the latest MLB Public Betting Splits and make smarter wagers!
Cardinals vs. Pirates Prediction — Does the Market Already See a Quiet Night?
This total opened at 7.5 and has since dropped to 7. That move lines up with the pitching read. Jones is racking up strikeouts, the cleanest way to keep runners off the bases. Four walks across his last 18 innings also means he is not handing out free traffic. Meanwhile, Pallante held two of his last three opponents to a single run.
The price matters too. The under now sits at plus money, which implies a break-even rate of roughly 48.8 percent. The market moved toward lower scoring, and the side of that move is still available without laying juice. Pitching form, market confirmation and a fair price all point the same way.
Still, the counter-case is real. The over is now the juiced side at 7, which tells you the book expects more than seven runs. Pallante’s contact profile can turn ugly quickly, as San Francisco showed last week. A seven-run total also leaves little room if either bullpen leaks late.
The Pick: Under 7 (+105)
Cardinals vs. Pirates Prediction — Is the Hot Arm Worth the Price?
The side read starts with the starting pitching gap. Jones has allowed three earned runs in his last 18 innings, while Pallante is coming off a six-earned-run outing. The price of -152 implies about a 60.3 percent win probability. Given how Jones is throwing, Pittsburgh’s chances at home look at least that strong. A low total also points to a tight game, which favors the moneyline over laying -1.5 with a home favorite that could win by a single run in the ninth.
However, the market adds a caution flag. Roughly 83 percent of moneyline tickets are on Pittsburgh, yet the price has barely moved from its -150 opener. A number that holds steady under that much public support can hint at money on the other side. That makes this a lean rather than a strong play.
The Pick: Pirates Moneyline (-152)
Final Thoughts and Bonus Angle
No third angle clears the bar. Both plays lean on Jones, and another bet on the same starter adds exposure without a new signal. The key swing point is the first trip through the order. If Jones piles up early strikeouts again, both picks gain footing. If Pallante settles in the way he did at Colorado and San Francisco, the under looks even better, but the Pittsburgh side gets thinner.
Watch the late innings as well. Neither team has a playoff race to protect, so bullpen usage could look different than it would in a pennant chase. For more on St. Louis, see our September 20 Cardinals prediction.
Picks summary:
- Under 7 (+105)
- Pirates Moneyline (-152)
MLB Cardinals vs. Pirates FAQ: Tuesday September 22, 2026
What time does the Cardinals vs. Pirates game start?
First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 PM ET on Tuesday, September 22, at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. The game opens a three-game series between the NL Central rivals, which runs through Thursday afternoon.
What channel is the Cardinals vs. Pirates game on?
The game airs on regional television, with SportsNet Pittsburgh carrying the Pirates broadcast and Cardinals.TV carrying the St. Louis broadcast. Viewers outside those home markets should check local listings.
Who is pitching for the Cardinals and Pirates tonight?
Right-hander Andre Pallante starts for St. Louis, and right-hander Jared Jones starts for Pittsburgh. Pallante enters 12-7 with a 3.70 ERA and 104 strikeouts. Jones is 4-6 with a 4.17 ERA and 109 strikeouts, and he has allowed three earned runs over his last three starts combined.
Who won the last meeting between the Cardinals and Pirates?
Pittsburgh won the last meeting 5-4 on Sunday, August 30, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. That victory gave the Pirates the three-game series win and closed out a nine-game road trip. Braxton Ashcraft started that rubber match for Pittsburgh. The final box score is available on MLB.com.
What are the Cardinals’ and Pirates’ records this season?
The Pirates enter Tuesday at 79-77, and the Cardinals are 76-80. Both teams have been eliminated from postseason contention, with the Pirates officially eliminated on September 18. Pittsburgh still has a chance to finish with a winning record.