Not many rivalries in baseball resonate with the Midwest like the one between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Milwaukee Brewers. As the sun dips below the horizon at American Family Field on June 12, 2025, these two NL Central teams clash once more, each eager for a crucial victory that could influence their summer path. The Cardinals, known for their rich history and experienced players, go up against a Brewers team buzzing with youthful energy and the thrilling debut of a promising young pitcher.
Game Overview
Date & Time: June 12, 2025, 7:40 p.m. ET
Location: American Family Field, Milwaukee, WI
The Cardinals come into this game with a 36-31 record, just a bit ahead of the Brewers who are at 36-32. These two teams have a tight rivalry, and the Cardinals are currently leading the 2025 season series 2-1. Looking back, the Cardinals have had the upper hand over the Brewers with a 253-202 overall record and are on a three-game winning streak against them.
Starting Pitchers
St. Louis Cardinals: Sonny Gray (SP)
Sonny Gray is set to pitch for the Cardinals. Even though he’s a seasoned pro, Gray has had a bit of a tough time on the road this season, with a 4.57 ERA when playing away. In their last matchup, the Brewers were able to put three runs on the board against him. Gray’s experience and skills in getting ground balls will be key for the Cardinals to keep Milwaukee’s strong offense in check.
Milwaukee Brewers: Jacob Misiorowski (SP)
The Brewers are set to kick off with Jacob Misiorowski, their highly regarded #1 pitching prospect who is making his MLB debut. Misiorowski was a force in Triple-A, boasting a 2.66 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP, highlighting his potential as a top-tier starter. That said, being a rookie, he might encounter some initial hurdles when adapting to major league hitters, particularly against a well-disciplined Cardinals lineup.
Key Players to Watch
St. Louis Cardinals
Nolan Arenado (3B): Arenado, a consistent All-Star and a key player in the Cardinals’ infield, brings crucial power and defensive skills. He can really turn the game around with his bat and glove.
Brendan Donovan (LF): Even though he’s got some discomfort in his left toe, Donovan is still a crucial part of the offense and a flexible defender. His ability to get on base and generating runs is essential for the Cardinals’ offense.
Willson Contreras (C): Contreras is a solid hitter in the middle of the lineup, bringing power and the ability to drive in runs, particularly when facing right-handed pitchers.
Ryan Helsley (RP): The Cardinals’ reliable closer, Helsley, will play a crucial role in maintaining any lead with his late-inning performance.
Milwaukee Brewers
Christian Yelich (RF): Once an MVP and a crowd favorite, Yelich’s skills in hitting both for average and power turns him into a formidable leadoff or middle-order hitter.
William Contreras (C): The Brewers’ catcher delivers strong offensive performance while also being reliable on defense behind the plate.
Freddy Peralta (SP): Even though he didn’t start this game, Peralta being in the bullpen or possibly in the rotation highlights how deep the Brewers’ pitching really is.
Joey Ortiz (SS): A reliable infielder who makes an impact with both his bat and glove, Ortiz brings balance to the Brewers’ lineup.
Tactical Matchup
The Cardinals are counting on Sonny Gray’s experience to keep the Brewers’ offense in check, particularly focusing on Christian Yelich and William Contreras. On the offensive side, St. Louis plans to take advantage of Misiorowski’s lack of experience, trying to apply early pressure on the rookie pitcher.
Milwaukee plans to back Misiorowski with clutch hitting, especially from their big hitters and players who get on base. If the game stays tight in the later innings, the Brewers’ bullpen depth will really be put to the test.
Given the pitching matchup, current performance, and the advantage of playing at home, this game is likely to be a closely fought, high-scoring event. The Cardinals have the upper hand due to their experience and strong offense, but the Brewers’ home fans and Misiorowski’s first game bring an element of surprise.
Sports Betting Ace’s Final Score Prediction: Milwaukee Brewers 5, St. Louis Cardinals 4
Total Runs: Over 7.5 runs