### Rivalry Renewed: Pirates and Cardinals Clash in April Showdown The Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals, two longstanding rivals in Major League Baseball's National League Central division, have recently engaged in a series of matchups that have captured the attention of fans and bettors alike. As the season progresses, the Pirates have faced the Cardinals multiple times, with predictions and betting odds being a focal point for analysts and enthusiasts. The latest series began on April 7, 2025, and has included notable pitching duels and strategic betting insights, particularly highlighting the performances of pitchers like Paul Skenes and Sonny Gray. *The outcomes of these games could significantly impact the standings in the NL Central as both teams vie for playoff positions* [https://clutchpoints.com/betting/cardinals-vs-pirates-prediction-odds-pick-4-9-2025]. ### Breakdown of Recent Matchups and Predictions 1. **April 7, 2025 - Cardinals vs. Pirates**: The first game of the series featured a simulation model predicting the outcome based on 10,000 simulations, emphasizing the competitive nature of the matchup [https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/cardinals-vs-pirates-odds-line-prediction-start-time-2025-mlb-picks-april-7-best-bets-from-proven-model]. 2. **April 8, 2025 - Continued Rivalry**: The second game saw Paul Skenes take the mound, with predictions focusing on his performance against the Cardinals' lineup [https://clutchpoints.com/betting/cardinals-vs-pirates-prediction-odds-pick-4-8-2025]. 3. **April 9, 2025 - Series Conclusion**: The final game of the series was anticipated to be a decisive factor in the standings, with analysts providing insights into betting trends and expert picks [https://clutchpoints.com/editorials/cardinals-vs-pirates-prediction-odds-pick-4-9-2025]. 4. **Upcoming Matchup - Pirates vs. Reds**: Following the series against the Cardinals, the Pirates are set to face the Cincinnati Reds, with predictions and odds already being discussed in the betting community [https://clutchpoints.com/betting/pirates-vs-reds-prediction-odds-pick-4-11-2025]. ### Key Data and Insights from Recent Games - **Pitching Performances**: The matchups have featured strong pitching, particularly from Paul Skenes, who has been highlighted for his potential impact on the games [https://nypost.com/2025/04/08/betting/pirates-vs-cardinals-odds-prediction-mlb-best-bets-picks-tuesday]. - **Betting Trends**: Analysts have noted significant betting trends, with models suggesting favorable outcomes based on team performance and historical data [https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/cardinals-vs-pirates-odds-line-prediction-start-time-2025-mlb-picks-april-9-best-bets-from-proven-model]. ### Conclusion: A Competitive April for the Pirates In summary, the recent series between the Pirates and Cardinals has showcased the intensity of their rivalry, with significant implications for the NL Central standings. 1. **Rivalry Dynamics**: The Pirates and Cardinals have a storied history, and their recent matchups have been closely contested. 2. **Impactful Pitching**: Key pitchers like Paul Skenes have been central to the outcomes, influencing betting predictions and fan expectations. 3. **Future Matchups**: The Pirates' upcoming games against the Reds will be crucial as they seek to maintain momentum in the season. **As the season unfolds, the performance of these teams will be critical in shaping the playoff landscape in the National League** [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/cardinals-pirates-prediction-odds-expert-113415918.html].