Kansas City Royals vs St. Louis Cardinals Picks and Predictions May 16th 2025

Cardinals’ Momentum Meets I-70 Rivalry

St. Louis arrives in Kansas City riding its hottest stretch: a 14-5 run since April 23 highlighted by a nine-game win streak and a 2.48 ERA from its pitching staff. Wednesday’s doubleheader split in Philadelphia didn’t slow the surge—Game 2’s 14-7 blowout and Masyn Winn’s four-hit, homer performance showcased a lineup batting .281 with 13 homers over nine games. Now the Cards look to carry that balance of offense and pitching into the “I-70 Series.”

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Pallante’s Bounce-Back Start

Right-hander Andre Pallante (3-2, 4.36 ERA) recovered from a rough outing vs. the Mets to dominate Washington, yielding only a two-run homer in the eighth over 7 1/3 innings with seven strikeouts. His ability to attack the zone and mix a sinker-changeup combo underpinned Saturday’s win. Against Kansas City, Pallante’s career 0-1 mark and 3.75 ERA in two starts suggests he’s primed to stifle the Royals’ bats again.

Royals Seek to Rediscover Form

Kansas City’s offense has cooled after a 16-2 burst, managing just 13 runs in five losses and dropping two one-run games this week. Salvador Perez’s occasional power—2-for-6 with a homer off Pallante—offers hope, and Bobby Witt Jr.’s recent 8-for-23 tear at home shows potential hot hands. Yet the Royals must reverse their 9-19 record when scoring three or fewer runs to remain competitive in this rivalry.

Ragans Looks to Rebound

Lefty Cole Ragans (2-2, 4.20 ERA) began 2025 with a 2.28 ERA over four starts but has struggled recently (6.88 ERA in his last four). In his lone outing vs. St. Louis, Ragans allowed four runs over five innings. To bounce back, he must command his breaking ball, limit walks, and navigate a Cardinals lineup that has thrived on patience and power.

With two veteran starters on the bump and both clubs desperate for a win at opposite ends of their recent streaks, this opener promises a tightly contested duel. For expert side picks, props on Pallante’s strike totals, and comprehensive MLB Predictions, visit our full preview before first pitch.