Cleveland Guardians vs. St. Louis Cardinals: Preview, Predictions and Picks for September 22, 2024

Published on:
Sep 22, 2024 6:14 AM
The Cleveland Guardians, leading the AL Central with a 90-66 record, face off against the St. Louis Cardinals, sitting third in the NL Central with a 78-77 record, in a crucial matchup at Busch Stadium on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at 2:15 PM. The series is currently tied 1-1, setting the stage for an intense showdown. The Guardians will look to capitalize on their strong road performance, where they hold a 42-38 record, to take the series lead.
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Optimal Staff
Cleveland Guardians
St. Louis Cardinals

Guardians vs Cardinals starting pitchers

  • Andre Pallante for St. Louis Cardinals
  • Gavin Williams for Cleveland Guardians

Guardians vs Cardinals statistics

Stat Guardians Cardinals
Hits 1231 (23rd) 1292 (13th)
Batting Average .239 (20th) .246 (13th)
Runs Batted In 653 (15th) 601 (24th)
Runs 691 (15th) 633 (25th)
Home Runs 180 (12th) 158 (23rd)
Walks 454 (20th) 452 (21st)
Stolen Bases 145 (5th) 90 (21st)
Strikeouts 1159 (27th) 1260 (21st)
Pitches 22107 (25th) 22832 (12th)

St. Louis Cardinals recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
9/21/24 vs Cleveland Guardians W 6-5
9/20/24 vs Cleveland Guardians L 5-1
9/19/24 vs Pittsburgh Pirates L 3-2
9/18/24 vs Pittsburgh Pirates W 10-5
9/17/24 vs Pittsburgh Pirates W 3-1

Cleveland Guardians recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
9/21/24 @ St. Louis Cardinals L 6-5
9/20/24 @ St. Louis Cardinals W 5-1
9/19/24 vs Minnesota Twins W 3-2 F/10
9/18/24 vs Minnesota Twins W 5-4 F/10
9/17/24 vs Minnesota Twins L 4-1

Guardians vs Cardinals predictions

As the Cleveland Guardians get set to lock horns with the St. Louis Cardinals, eyes will be on several key players whose performances could tilt the scales. Jose Ramirez, one of MLB's standout third basemen this season, looks poised to add some serious firepower. With an impressive track record of 37 home runs and 112 RBIs, Ramirez’s presence in the lineup is always menacing. On the mound, Gavin Williams will be a pivotal figure. Despite some challenges this season, Williams, with the right rhythm, might just navigate his team through the innings with fewer runs allowed than usual.

On the flip side, St. Louis Cardinals have their own aces to bank on. Nolan Arenado, always a threat at the plate, will be crucial for injecting some offensive energy with his capability to drive in runs and hit with precision. Meanwhile, Paul Goldschmidt, with a batting average that speaks volumes of his consistency, could very well be the game-changer. On the pitching front, Andre Pallante, who’s been relatively solid with an ERA of 3.87 this season, will be counted on to keep the Guardians’ hitters at bay, maintaining control and minimizing walks.

In prediction terms, this matchup is shaping up to be a close contest. Both teams have strong aspects and potential vulnerabilities that could be exposed. However, given the Cardinals' slightly more consistent pitching from Pallante and their ability to leverage home advantage, they might have a slight edge. The Guardians have the firepower, but consistency in their game execution will be key. As such, I’m leaning towards a Cardinals win in a tightly contested game – it should be a fascinating watch!

St. Louis Cardinals injuries

  • Tink Hence (RP): Day-To-Day
  • Drew Rom (SP): 60-Day-IL
  • Sonny Gray (SP): 15-Day-IL
  • Lance Lynn (SP): 15-Day-IL
  • Willson Contreras (C): 10-Day-IL

Cleveland Guardians injuries

  • James Karinchak (RP): 60-Day-IL
  • Petey Halpin (CF): Day-To-Day
  • Alex Cobb (SP): 15-Day-IL
  • Steven Kwan (LF): 10-Day-IL
  • Trevor Stephan (RP): 60-Day-IL

Guardians vs Cardinals game info

Venue Busch Stadium
Location St. Louis, Missouri
First pitch Sun 2:15 PM
Temperature 79°
Chance of Rain 34%

Cleveland Guardians vs. St. Louis Cardinals Betting Odds

Real-time odds powered by Optimal

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