The interleague matchup at Busch Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, presents a classic showdown between high-ceiling efficiency and gritty contact management. The Seattle Mariners and St. Louis Cardinals meet in a battle of teams looking to climb above the .500 mark, with the pitching duel between Bryan Woo and Matthew Liberatore serving as the centerpiece.
The Pitching Breakdown
Bryan Woo (SEA): Bryan Woo has emerged as a cornerstone of the Mariners’ rotation in 2026. Entering this start with a 2.25 ERA and a stifling 0.88 WHIP, Woo is coming off his most dominant performance of the year—a seven-inning, six-strikeout win over the Rangers. His primary weapon is a high-velocity sinker that effectively neutralizes right-handed power hitters. Through 32.0 innings this season, Woo has surrendered only four walks, showcasing an elite command that forces opponents to earn every base. For Woo, the challenge at Busch Stadium is navigating a Cardinals lineup that ranks in the top ten for “Expected Batting Average” against high-velocity righties.
Matthew Liberatore (STL): On the other side, Matthew Liberatore continues his transformation into a reliable rotation anchor for St. Louis. While his 3.67 ERA is higher than Woo’s, his recent form is trending sharply upward. In his last start on April 19 against Houston, Liberatore tossed six innings of one-run ball, striking out four. Unlike Woo’s power-heavy approach, Liberatore relies on a deceptive curveball and a sweeping slider to induce soft contact. He has been particularly effective at home, where he has maintained a 3.05 ERA this spring. His goal today is to exploit a Mariners offense that currently leads the American League in strikeout rate.
Best Bets for April 25
1. Seattle Mariners Moneyline (-120) The Mariners hold the “sharp” edge in this matchup primarily due to Bryan Woo’s elite efficiency. While the Cardinals have a respectable home record, Seattle has been one of the league’s best teams when their starters provide six or more innings of work. Woo’s ability to limit free passes (only four walks all season) creates a high floor for the Mariners, making them the preferred play as a slight road favorite.
2. Under 7.5 Total Runs (-112) This total is a direct reflection of two starters who excel at minimizing damage. Bryan Woo has not allowed more than three runs in any start this year, and Liberatore has allowed two or fewer in three of his last four outings. With both bullpens ranking in the top five for “Inherited Runners Stranded,” a high-scoring explosion is unlikely. A clinical 3-2 or 4-1 final score is the most probable outcome.
3. Bryan Woo Over 5.5 Strikeouts (+105) Despite the Cardinals’ disciplined approach, Woo’s strikeout upside is undervalued at plus-money. He has reached at least six strikeouts in three of his five starts this season. The Cardinals’ middle order, featuring power hitters like Jordan Walker, can be prone to the “swing-and-miss” when faced with Woo’s high-spin four-seamer at the top of the zone.
The Sharp Edge: Watch for the Mariners’ lineup card. If Randy Arozarena remains in the leadoff spot, Seattle’s “First Five Innings” (F5) run line is an excellent alternative, as Arozarena has historically feasted on Liberatore’s specific pitch mix.
Baseball Best Bets 