Houston Astros vs. St. Louis Cardinals Pick & Prediction APRIL 16th 2025
Preview and Prediction
The Houston Astros continued their pattern of alternating wins and losses, now reaching 12 games, with a 2-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday. This sets the stage for them to potentially claim the rubber match of the three-game series and improve their record to .500 with a win on Wednesday.
Throughout the season, the Astros have not been able to string together consecutive wins.
The team's pitching has been a strong point, allowing only 115 hits in 153 2/3 innings so far. The back end of the bullpen, led by left-handers Bryan King and Josh Hader and right-hander Bryan Abreu, was particularly impressive on Tuesday, giving up only two hits and no runs on just 44 pitches. This performance could potentially give Houston manager Joe Espada the luxury of having the entire bullpen at his disposal for the series finale.
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Much of the credit for the team's success on the mound can be attributed to right-hander Hunter Brown. With his second consecutive start of six scoreless innings, Brown is emerging as a reliable ace for the Astros.
"He has the ability to inspire confidence in his team every time he takes the mound," said Espada of Brown. "He has fully embraced his role as a leader on this team.
"Not only does he have the talent, but he also has the heart and determination behind every pitch. He doesn't let the little things bother him, things that are out of his control."
On Wednesday, the Astros will send right-hander Ronel Blanco (1-1, 6.94 ERA) to the mound for the series finale. In his last start, Blanco allowed two runs on five hits and one walk while striking out seven over five innings in a 14-3 win against the Los Angeles Angels. However, his only road start this season was less successful, as he gave up four runs on five hits and three walks in just 1 2/3 innings against the Minnesota Twins on April 6.
Blanco has only faced the Cardinals once in his career, giving up four runs on five hits and two walks with two strikeouts over 5 2/3 innings in a 4-2 loss on June 5, 2024.
The Cardinals will counter with left-hander Steven Matz (0-0, 2.31 ERA) on Wednesday. This will be Matz's first start of the season, as his previous five appearances have been in relief. In his last outing, he allowed one run on five hits and one walk while striking out one in 2 1/3 innings in a 4-1 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. Matz has also recorded one save and one blown save this season.
In his career, Matz has a 1-1 record with a 4.97 ERA in three appearances (two starts) against the Astros. In his most recent outing against them on June 29, 2023, he pitched 3 1/3 scoreless innings, giving up only one hit and three walks while striking out four in a 14-0 loss for the Cardinals.
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The decision to add Matz to the starting rotation is a response to the Cardinals' current stretch of 26 games in 27 days, with only one off day on April 24 between April 11 and May 7.
"This season, we have had a lot of off days, so everyone has had an extra day of rest," explained Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol. "The only exception was (Erick) Fedde. As we enter this stretch without any off days, having Matz as our sixth starter allows everyone to stay on their regular schedule."
Houston Astros vs. St. Louis Cardinals Recap APR 16TH 2025
Lars Nootbaar hit a three-run homer to help lift the St. Louis Cardinals over the visiting Houston Astros 4-1 Wednesday afternoon.
Thomas Saggese went 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI as St. Louis finished 4-2 on the homestand.
In his first start for the Cardinals this season since moving from the bullpen, Steven Matz (1-0) allowed one run on two hits in five innings. He struck out five batters and walked none.
Ryan Fernandez, Kyle Leahy and Phil Maton each pitched a scoreless inning for St. Louis. Ryan Helsley closed out the ninth inning for his third save.
Astros pitcher Ronel Blanco (1-2) allowed three runs on five hits and three walks in five innings. He struck out one.
Houston took a quick 1-0 lead in the first inning. Jose Altuve hit a leadoff single, moved to third base on Jeremy Pena's single, then scored on Isaac Paredes' groundout. Pena got as far third base with one before Matz struck out Christian Walker and retired Yainer Diaz on a flyout.
The Cardinals threatened in the third inning. Nootbaar drew a one-out walk and moved to second on a flyout, but Brendan Donovan popped out to strand him.
St. Louis left another runner in scoring position during the fourth inning. Alec Burleson reached on an infield single with one out and stole second base with two outs. But Blanco retired Yohel Pozo on a groundout to end the threat.
The Cardinals moved ahead 3-1 in the fifth inning. Victor Scott II led off with a bunt single, Saggese followed with a single and Nootbaar launched his homer.
St. Louis increased its lead to 4-1 in the sixth inning.
Jordan Walker and Pozo singled to start the inning off reliever Logan VanWey. After Saggese's one-out RBI double, Steven Okert relieved VanWey and retired the next batters to prevent further trouble.