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The Los Angeles Dodgers (38-24) and Pittsburgh Pirates (28-32) play the 2nd game of a 3-game set at PNC Park Wednesday. First pitch is set for 6:40 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Dodgers vs. Pirates odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Pirates lead 1-0
The Pirates took the 1st game of the series Tuesday, winning 1-0 as RHP Jared Jones kept the Dodgers scoreless for 6 innings.
Pittsburgh has traded off winning and losing over its last 6 outings, including 2 losses over a 3-game weekend series at the Toronto Blue Jays. It sits 4th in the NL Central and is 32-27 against the spread (ATS) on the season.
The Dodgers had previously won 5 of 6 and snapped a 2-game winning streak with the loss Tuesday. Los Angeles is 32-30 ATS on the season and sits atop the NL West.
Dodgers at Pirates projected starters
LHP James Paxton vs. RHP Paul Skenes
Paxton (5-0, 3.29 ERA) makes his 11th start. He has a 1.38 WHIP, 4.8 BB/9 and 5.4 K/9 in 52 IP.
- Last start: No-decision, 3 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 0 BB, 3 K in 10-3 road win over New York Mets May 29
- 2024 road splits: 3-0, 3.68 ERA (29 1/3 IP, 12 ER), 25 H, 3 HR, 13 BB, 20 K in 6 starts
- Career vs. Pirates: 0-1, 5.40 ERA (5 IP, 3 ER), 6 H, 1 BB, 6 K in 1 start, a 10-1 road loss with Seattle Mariners July 27, 2016
Skenes (2-0, 2.45 ERA) makes his 5th start. The rookie has a 0.91 WHIP, 2.0 BB/9 and 12.3 K/9 in 22 IP.
- Last start: Win, 6 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 9 K in 10-2 road victory over Detroit Tigers May 29
- 2024 home splits: 0-0, 3.60 ERA (10 IP, 4 ER), 12 H, 1 HR, 3 BB, 10 K in 2 starts
- Has never faced Los Angeles before; made MLB debut May 11
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Dodgers at Pirates odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Dodgers -104 (bet $104 to win $100) | Pirates -112 (bet $112 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Dodgers -1.5 (+152) | Pirates +1.5 (-184)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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Dodgers at Pirates picks and predictions
Prediction
Dodgers 3, Pirates 2
Moneyline
BET DODGERS (-104).
The Pirates have been too inconsistent over the last few weeks. They have lost 6 of their last 10 games and 3 of their last 5 at home while trading off winning and losing over their last 6, which suggests they’re primed to come up short.
While Skenes has pitched well over his 4 starts, the team as a whole has given up 21 runs in those games. The Dodgers are 14-9 after a loss and should be able to avenge their series-opening defeat. Back DODGERS (-104).
Run line/Against the spread
PASS.
The Dodgers are too risky as run-line favorites here, while the Pirates are far too expensive to take as run-line underdogs. Ultimately, avoid this play regardless of the preferred side.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 8.5 (-115).
Both teams will have a strong starting option, and neither is hot after the 1-0 finish to Tuesday’s game. The Pirates have gone Under in 2 of their last 4 games and scored 4 or fewer runs in 3 of their last 4.
The Dodgers have gone Under in 4 straight games and held opponents to 1 run or fewer in 3 straight. They are 1-8 O/U in their last 9 games. Put it all together, and back UNDER 8.5 (-115).
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