The Los Angeles Dodgers (13-12) and Pittsburgh Pirates (17-8) wrap up their 3-game series in the Steel City on Thursday. First pitch from PNC Park is slated for 12:35 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: Tied 1-1
Thursday’s game ends a 7-game road trip for the Dodgers, who took 3 of 4 from the Cubs at Wrigley Field last weekend and have split the 1st 2 games against the Pirates during their NL Central swing.
The surprising Pirates had their 7-game win streak snapped by the Dodgers 8-1 on Tuesday night. Pittsburgh leads the NL Central by a game over the Milwaukee Brewers on the strength of their starting pitching, which has put together 10 consecutive quality starts.
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Dodgers at Pirates projected starters
LHP Julio Urias vs. RHP Mitch Keller
Urias (3-2, 3.33 ERA) is making his 6th start. He owns a 1.22 WHIP, 1.7 BB/9 and 10 K/9 in 27 IP.
- Current Pittsburgh bats own an aggregate .720 OPS and 12 strikeouts against him
- 2022 vs. Pirates: 0-2, 4.50 ERA, 12 IP, 19 H, 6 ER, 1 BB, 12 K, .365 BA allowed
- Lost his last 2 starts against NL Central teams
Keller (2-0, 3.64 ERA) makes his 6th start. He has a 1.25 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9 and 9,1 K/9 in 29.2 IP.
- One 2022 start vs. Dodgers: 5 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 5 BB, 5 K and a win in Pirates 5-3 victory in Los Angeles
- Current Los Angeles batters own an aggregate 1.100 OPS against him.
- Has at least 5 K’s in 4 of 5 starts this season
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 Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Dodgers -168 (bet $168 to win $100) | Pirates +142 (bet $100 to win $142)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Dodgers -1.5 (-102) | Pirates +1.5 (-118)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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Dodgers at Pirates picks and predictions
Prediction
Pirates 6, Dodgers 4
Moneyline
I like the Pirates’ chances to take the rubber match on Thursday. Urias may be the superior talent, but he has not fared well on the road to the tune of a 5.79 ERA. Keller has not allowed more than 2 ER in either of his home starts this season.
Take the PIRATES +142.
Run line/Against the spread
Since I believe the Pirates will win this game outright, if you need a little insurance definitely take them on the run line. But the moneyline offers a better value. I’m expecting both starters will make early exits in this game.
Take the PIRATES +1.5 (-118).
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Over/Under
There is a lot to like about the Over in this matchup. Both games in this series got to double-digit total runs. Los Angeles has pounded right-handed pitchers for 21 HRs combined between Max Muncy, James Outman, J.D. Martinez, and Mookie Betts. Urias has also been prone to the long ball, allowing 4 HRs in his last 2 starts. The Bucs have 3 hitters in their lineup with 5 HRs on the season.
Take the OVER 8 (-105).
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