Tigers and Cardinals Face Off on Sunday Night Baseball

The two teams will meet in a nationally televised matchup.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 5:06pm

The Detroit Tigers will host the St. Louis Cardinals in a highly anticipated Sunday Night Baseball matchup. The game will be broadcast nationally, giving both teams a chance to showcase their talent on a big stage.

Why it matters

This game represents an important early-season test for both teams as they look to establish themselves in their respective divisions. The Tigers and Cardinals are two of the most storied franchises in baseball, adding extra intrigue to the matchup.

The details

The game will feature a pitching duel between the Tigers' Justin Verlander and the Cardinals' Adam Wainwright. Verlander was originally scheduled to start but was pushed back due to a minor injury. The Tigers will look to bounce back after a tough opening series, while the Cardinals hope to continue their strong start to the season.

  • The game will take place on Sunday, April 6, 2026.
  • First pitch is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET.

The players

Justin Verlander

Veteran right-handed pitcher for the Detroit Tigers.

Adam Wainwright

Experienced right-handed pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals.

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What they’re saying

“This is the kind of game you circle on the calendar. Two great teams, two great pitchers, and a national audience. It doesn't get much better than this.”

— Jim Leyland, Former Tigers Manager

What’s next

The winner of this game will gain an early advantage in the race for their respective division titles.

The takeaway

This Sunday Night Baseball matchup between the Tigers and Cardinals promises to be an exciting and high-profile early-season clash between two of baseball's most successful franchises.