The Baltimore Orioles travel to Busch Stadium to face the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, with first pitch scheduled for 7:45 PM ET. Chris Bassitt gets the ball for Baltimore in an interleague road matchup that carries real regular-season weight. The Cardinals have not yet announced a probable starter, leaving the pitching equation on the St. Louis side unresolved heading into game day. Fans can catch the action on MASN, 98 Rock 97.9 FM, or WBAL 1090 AM.
Pitching Matchup: Bassitt Goes for Baltimore With Cardinals Starter TBD
Bassitt is the known quantity on the mound Tuesday night. The veteran right-hander gives the Orioles a durable, experienced arm capable of eating innings and keeping Baltimore in ballgames. Specific ERA and win-loss figures for Bassitt have not been confirmed heading into this preview, but his value to this rotation is straightforward: he takes the ball every fifth day and competes.
The Cardinals' decision to leave their starter as TBD is worth monitoring closely. Whether St. Louis turns to a rotation arm, a bulk reliever, or an opener will significantly shape how Baltimore's lineup approaches the early innings. The O's will need to stay disciplined at the plate regardless of who gets the ball in that Cardinals uniform.
Keys to Watch for the Orioles at Busch Stadium
- Bassitt's command early: Busch Stadium's environment will test Bassitt from the first pitch. If he can establish his arsenal and limit walks in the first two innings, Baltimore has a strong chance to keep the Cardinals' offense at bay.
- Orioles lineup vs. an unknown arm: Facing a TBD starter means Baltimore's hitters may see a surprise. Staying patient, working counts, and not chasing early could expose whatever St. Louis deploys out of the gate.
- Bullpen management: With no confirmed Cardinals starter, this game could turn into a battle of bullpens late. Baltimore's depth in relief will be tested if Bassitt exits before the seventh inning.
- Baserunning and situational hitting: Road games in interleague play often come down to small-ball moments. The Orioles need to convert runners in scoring position and avoid stranding opportunities that could haunt them later.
Prediction: Orioles Take a Low-Scoring Road Win
Bassitt stabilizes Baltimore's pitching effort long enough for the offense to scratch out enough runs against a Cardinals side still sorting out who starts. The TBD situation in St. Louis feels like an opportunity the Orioles need to take advantage of early. Give Baltimore the edge in a 4-2 final, with Bassitt delivering six solid innings and the bullpen closing it out on the road.
