Philadelphia Phillies vs St. Louis Cardinals Picks and Predictions May 12th 2025

Cardinals vs Phillies: Fire Meets Fire in Explosive NL Clash

When two freight trains collide, something’s gotta give. That’s exactly the vibe as the St. Louis Cardinals roll into Citizens Bank Park to face the Philadelphia Phillies in a series dripping with playoff atmosphere—even if it’s only May.

On one side, you’ve got the Cardinals riding an 8-game win streak, bulldozing opponents with elite pitching and timely slugging. On the other side, the Phillies have won 11 of their last 14, including a clinical 3-0 shutout over the Guardians Sunday night.

This is must-watch baseball. But more than just star power, this matchup gives us a deeper look at two teams rounding into elite form. Let’s break it down from top to bottom—pitching matchups, player trends, betting angles, and what history tells us about this potential NL playoff preview.

Want expert predictions on this game? Don’t forget to check out the MLB Pick Page for sharp breakdowns and trends.

St. Louis Cardinals: Hotter Than July in May

The Cardinals entered this series on an 8-game tear, including:

• A sweep of the Nationals (20-3 run differential)
• A dominant stretch outscoring opponents 25-3 over 4 games
• Contributions from everywhere—Nootbaar, Arenado, Contreras all going deep Sunday

It’s a blend of power, patience, and pitching depth that has St. Louis fans finally exhaling after a shaky start to 2024.

“Production from everybody in the lineup… add that to pitching and RISP success, and it’s working,” said Lars Nootbaar postgame.

They’re now tied with the Dodgers and Twins for longest win streak in MLB this season.

Need team-wide metrics? Explore more via our MLB Team Page.

Matthew Liberatore: The Lefty Ace-in-the-Making

Monday’s starter Matthew Liberatore (3-3, 3.07 ERA) has found a groove—and then some.

• Last 5 starts: 2 ER or fewer in each
• Last start vs PIT: 7 IP, 1 ER, 8 Ks
• Vs PHI (career): 2 starts, 1-0, 2.76 ERA

Liberatore was surgical against the Phillies a month ago, 6 shutout innings in a 7-0 win, and he’ll look to replicate that form in enemy territory.

He credits improved velocity and execution:

“Felt like I had every weapon working from the first pitch,” he said after his last start.

Liberatore’s emergence gives the Cardinals another top-end option behind Miles Mikolas—something they’ve lacked in recent seasons.

Philadelphia Phillies: Power, Patience, and Dominance

You could argue that no team is more balanced right now than the Phillies.

Rolling into May Like October

• 11 wins in their last 14
• Kyle Schwarber homered twice on Sunday vs Cleveland
• Zack Wheeler shut them down for 7 scoreless innings

This is a team not just winning, but dominating in all phases.

And unlike past years, the Phillies are getting contributions from the bottom of the order, the bullpen, and spot starters. It’s not just Harper and Schwarber anymore—it’s a full machine.

Cristopher Sanchez: Quietly Thriving

Monday’s starter, Cristopher Sanchez (4-1, 2.89 ERA), is quietly one of the biggest success stories in the rotation.

His last outing?

• 6 IP, 1 H, 0 ER vs Tampa Bay
• Won 4 of last 5 starts
• Command, maturity, and mound confidence are up across the board

“He trusts himself now,” said manager Rob Thomson. “He keeps battling.”

The matchup against St. Louis is tricky—he’s never beaten them—but his current form puts him on par with just about anyone right now.

If you’re wagering on pitcher performance, head over to the MLB Odds Page for up-to-the-minute numbers.

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Head-to-Head: Who’s Got the Edge?

These two teams met last month in St. Louis where the Cardinals took 2 of 3, including two shutouts. That could plant seeds of doubt in Philly hitters.

But this is a different environment—and this Phillies team isn’t losing much at home these days.

Let’s break it down:

This might come down to who strikes first. Both teams are built to protect leads—but Liberatore’s early dominance or Schwarber’s early bombs could set the tone quickly.

Players to Watch

Lars Nootbaar (Cardinals)

Fresh off a homer Sunday, Nootbaar is heating up. When he’s on, he’s a spark plug at the top of the lineup—and gets on base at an elite clip.

Nolan Arenado (Cardinals)

Quiet for stretches this year, but coming off a home run Sunday and hitting the ball hard again. Big-game pedigree.

Kyle Schwarber (Phillies)

When Schwarber gets hot, he stays hot. Two bombs Sunday and tons of confidence. He could be the X-factor against a lefty like Liberatore.

Bryce Harper (Phillies)

Hasn’t made noise lately, but you can’t count out Bryce in a marquee matchup. He’s due, and you know the bright lights bring out his best.

Betting Preview & Prediction

This is a tough series to call. The Phillies are at home, their starter is red-hot, and their lineup is deep. But the Cardinals are on a mission.

Here’s how we see Game 1:

• Prediction: Phillies 5, Cardinals 3
• Best Bets: Under 9.0 runs, Phillies ML, Schwarber 1+ RBI
• Sleeper Prop: Liberatore 6+ Ks (great command right now)

Need expert betting plays? Explore the full slate with sharp picks on our Expert Betting Guide.

FAQs

Who’s favored in the series opener?
The Phillies are slight home favorites, but odds are close due to St. Louis’ win streak.

Is this a playoff preview?
It’s possible. Both teams are built for October, especially if they stay hot through June and July.

What happened last time these teams met?
The Cardinals won the series 2-1 in St. Louis, including two shutouts. Liberatore dominated Game 3.

Will the winning streak end tonight?
Tough call. Phillies are playing well, but Cardinals haven’t blinked in over a week. This one could go either way.

Where can I get updated stats?
Visit our MLB Team Page for stats, lineups, injuries, and more.

Final Thoughts: Must-See Baseball in May

If you’re a baseball fan, this series has everything:

• Elite pitching
• Red-hot lineups
• Playoff atmosphere
• Superstar names

Will the Cardinals make it 9 in a row, or will the Phillies defend their turf and cool the league’s hottest team?

No matter who wins, one thing’s for sure—this is not your average Monday night game.