2025-08-06 Cardinals at Dodgers Matchup Preview
The St. Louis Cardinals face a tough challenge as they visit the Los Angeles Dodgers, with pitching matchups and offensive capabilities setting the stage for an intriguing contest.
Starting Pitcher Matchup
Matthew Liberatore takes the mound for the St. Louis Cardinals, aiming to navigate a potent Los Angeles Dodgers lineup. The Dodgers will counter with Dustin May, looking to solidify their pitching rotation and contain the Cardinals' offense. Shohei Ohtani, while listed as a starter in the data, will not be pitching, but his presence in the lineup could be a factor.Cardinals' Offensive Outlook
The St. Louis Cardinals' offense, characterized by an average age of 28, will be tasked with solving Dustin May. While the Cardinals have posted a Leftfielder Wins Above Replacement of 16.6 as a team, their success hinges on their ability to capitalize on May's weaknesses. The Dodgers' starter will need to be careful not to allow the Cardinals to generate a high percentage of hard-hit balls, as St. Louis hitters have shown the ability to turn those opportunities into runs. Their Expected Weighted On-Base Average, however, is something that the Cardinals will be looking to improve upon in this contest. If they can improve on their percentage of pitches put in play, they can generate more scoring chances.Dodgers' Offensive Outlook
The Los Angeles Dodgers' offense, boasting an average age of 30, presents a significant hurdle for Matthew Liberatore. The Dodgers have generated a Leftfielder Wins Above Replacement of 20 as a team, demonstrating their offensive firepower. Liberatore will need to effectively mix his pitches and induce weak contact to limit the Dodgers' scoring opportunities. Limiting the Dodgers' batting average on balls in play will be crucial for the Cardinals' starter, and he will need to rely on his defense to convert batted balls into outs. The Cardinals' pitching staff needs to focus on keeping the ball down in the zone, as the Dodgers have shown they can elevate pitches for extra-base hits. However, like the Cardinals, the Dodgers will look to improve their Expected Weighted On-Base Average.Pitching Analysis: Matthew Liberatore
Matthew Liberatore's success in this matchup will depend heavily on his command and ability to keep the Dodgers' hitters off balance. He will need to vary his pitch selection and location to avoid predictability. Liberatore will need to monitor the percentage of first-pitch strikes he throws, as falling behind in the count can be detrimental against a patient Dodgers lineup. If he can consistently hit his spots and generate soft contact, he can limit the Dodgers' scoring chances and keep the Cardinals in the game. His ability to induce ground balls will also be critical, as the Dodgers have shown a penchant for hitting the ball in the air.Pitching Analysis: Dustin May
Dustin May's effectiveness will be tied to his ability to control the Cardinals' hitters. He needs to be precise with his fastball command and effectively utilize his secondary pitches to keep the Cardinals guessing. Limiting walks will be essential, as free passes can quickly turn into runs against a team like the Cardinals. His percentage of pitches in the strike zone needs to be high to avoid giving the Cardinals easy opportunities. If May can establish early dominance and maintain his composure, he can set the tone for a strong outing. His strikeout percentage will be a key indicator of his success, as racking up strikeouts can help him navigate through the Cardinals' lineup.Defensive Considerations
Both teams' defenses will play a crucial role in this contest. The Cardinals' fielders will need to be sharp and make plays behind Liberatore, while the Dodgers' defense will need to support May and prevent the Cardinals from extending innings. Error percentage will be a crucial factor, as defensive miscues can be costly in a close game. The ability to turn double plays will also be valuable for both teams, as it can help them escape jams and limit damage. Good communication and positioning will be essential for both defenses to execute effectively.Game Prediction
Given the Dodgers' offensive prowess and May's potential to stifle the Cardinals' bats, Los Angeles holds a slight edge in this matchup. The Dodgers' ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and their solid defensive play should be enough to secure a victory. However, the Cardinals have the potential to make this game interesting with their offense, and if Liberatore can have a strong outing, they could keep the game close.Predicted Score: Cardinals 4, Dodgers 6