The Pittsburgh Pirates (56-59) and Los Angeles Dodgers (67-49) play the 2nd contest of a 3-game series Saturday. First pitch from Dodger Stadium is set for 9:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Pirates vs. Dodgers odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Tied 2-2
The Pirates are on a 5-game skid, slipping 3 games under .500. They’re also 1-7 in the past 8 games, while the Over is 6-2 in the slide. Pittsburgh has cashed at a 9-3 clip in the past 12 outings, too.
The Dodgers picked up the 9-5 win in Friday’s series opener, covering on the run line as favorites (-222) as L.A. took care of the Over (7.5) on its own. The Dodgers are 4-2 in the past 6 games, while the Over is 7-2 in the past 9 outings.
Pirates at Dodgers projected starters
RHP Paul Skenes vs. RHP River Ryan
Skenes (6-1, 1.99 ERA) makes his 15th start. He has a 0.94 WHIP, 2.0 BB/9 and 11.2 K/9 in 86 innings.
- Last start: No-decision, 5 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 4 K in 6-5 home loss vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Sunday
- 2024 road splits: 3-0, 0.96 ERA (37 1/3 IP, 4 ER), 0.72 WHIP, .152 opponents’ batting average, 8 BB, 54 K in 6 starts
- Career vs. Dodgers: Win, 5 IP, 3 ER, 6 H (2 HR), 1 BB, 8 K in 1 start, a 10-6 home victory June 5
Ryan (1-0, 1.72 ERA) makes his 4th start. He has a 1.28 WHIP, 5.2 BB/9 and 8.0 K/9 in 15 2/3 innings.
- Last start: No-decision, 4 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 5 H (1 HR), 3 BB, 4 K in 3-2 road win vs. Oakland A’s Sunday
- 2024 home splits: No-decision, 5 1/3 IP, 0 ER (1 R), 4 H, 3 BB, 2 K in 1 start, a 3-2 win vs. San Francisco Giants July 22
- Never faced Pirates before
Who’s going yard? Here’s a breakdown of today’s best home run props with our top picks. Include the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE to score a $1,500 first-bet offer.
Pirates at Dodgers odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:29 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Pirates -104 (bet $104 to win $100) | Dodgers -112 (bet $112 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Pirates -1.5 (+155) | Dodgers +1.5 (-188)
- Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -122 | U: +100)
Pirates at Dodgers picks and predictions
Prediction
Pirates 3, Dodgers 2
Moneyline
The PIRATES (-104) are worth a look as a slight underdog behind the All-Star rookie Skenes. This should be a well-pitched game, as Ryan has been solid in his brief time since coming up to the Dodgers (-112), too.
Pittsburgh is a risky play, as it has lost 5 in a row, but the Bucs are 7-4 in the past 11 starts by Skenes.
Run line/Against the spread
The Dodgers +1.5 (-188) are a little on the pricey side, if you can’t back Los Angeles with the rookie Ryan and would like a little insurance instead.
AVOID, and just play L.A. straight up if you like it.
Over/Under
UNDER 7.5 (+100) might be the best play on the board in this battle between rookie pitchers.
You’ll be going against the trend a little, as the Over is 7-2 in the past 9 Games for the Dodgers, including Friday’s 9-5 win over the Bucs.
For the Pirates, the total has gone high at a 9-3 clip in the past 12 outings dating back to July 27, so don’t get too carried away.
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