The Milwaukee Brewers and Pittsburgh Pirates will kick off a three-game series Monday at PNC Park in Pittsburgh at 7:05 PM Eastern. We analyze the Brewers-Pirates betting odds and lines, with MLB picks and best bets.
Brewers at Pirates: Projected starting pitchers
RHP Adrian Houser vs. LHP Steven Brault
Houser was a pleasant surprise for the Brewers in 2019, when he posted a 3.72 ERA across 35 appearances (18 starts).
- The right-hander worked just seven innings against the Pirates in 2019, allowing five earned runs during that time, with a 9:6 K:BB.
- Houser was more effective at home than on the road, as there was nearly a full run difference in his ERA (3.17 vs 4.14).
Brault worked mostly as a starter in 2019, as 19 of his 25 appearances came in that role. Overall, he put up a 5.16 ERA in 113 1/3 innings.
- He made five starts against the Brewers a season ago and came away with a 3.51 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 25 2/3 innings.
- Brault is only expected to take the mound for about three innings in his season debut, before giving way to RHP Chad Kuhl.
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Brewers at Pirates: Key injuries
(List of injuries around the league)
Brewers
- OF Ryan Braun (general soreness), questionable
- 2B Brock Holt (ankle), questionable
Pirates
- RP Keone Kela (COVID-19), IL
- OF Gregory Polanco (COVID-19), IL
Brewers at Pirates: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Prediction
Pirates 5, Brewers 4
Moneyline (ML)
While the Brewers were pretty dominant at home in 2019 (49-32), they were a game under .500 on the road, at 40-41. Houser was solid in 2019, but given his less than impressive track record, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a step back from him in 2020.
With the PIRATES +155 playing in their home park, this line should be closer to even. Expect a close game and take the plus odds on the home team.
New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Pirates at +155 would pay out a profit of $15.50.
Run line/Against the spread (ATS)
The Pirates are even money (+1.5, +100), which is tempting, but the best value seems to be in them winning the game outright. In taking Milwaukee (-1.5, -121), you would still have to lay some odds, which doesn’t seem like a wise investment. PASS on the run line.
Over/Under (O/U)
Both offenses have been a little slow out of the gate. The Brewers have tallied just nine runs through three games, while the Pirates have scored 10.
Neither pitcher in this matchup should be expected to completely shut his opponent down, but we’ll give a slight edge to the UNDER 9.5 (-110) in this one.
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