The Pittsburgh Pirates (40-48) and the Arizona Diamondbacks (51-38) play the 2nd game of their 3-game series in Phoenix leading into the All-Star break Saturday. First pitch from Chase Field is at 4:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Pirates vs. Diamondbacks odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Diamondbacks lead 3-1.
The Pirates lost the opener Friday 7-3, giving them a 3-game losing streak. They are 1-4 on their 7-game road trip and have lost 6 of their last 7 games overall.
The Diamondbacks snapped a 4-game skid with the win in the opener Friday. They are 5-8 in their last 13 games. They have a half-game lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. They’ll be using a bullpen game Saturday.
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Pirates at Diamondbacks projected starters
RHP Mitch Keller vs. LHP Kyle Nelson
Keller (9-4, 3.52 ERA) makes his 19th start. He has a 1.14 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9 and 10.2 K/9 through 110 IP.
- Last start: Loss, 5 IP, 5 R (4 ER), 8 H, 1 BB, 7 K in 5-2 road loss to Dodgers Monday
- Went 6 innings with a no-decision on May 20 vs. Arizona in a 4-3 loss, allowing 2 runs on 3 hits, striking out 8
Nelson (4-1, 2.76 ERA) makes his 1st start and 39th appearance. He has a 1.26 WHIP, 2.5 BB/9 and 11.6 K/9 through 32 2/3 IP.
- Last appearance: 2/3 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 0 BB, 2 K on 13 pitches Wednesday
- 2-1 with a 2.04 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 12.2 K/9 in 17 2/3 IP at home this year vs. 2-0, 3.60 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 10.8 K/9 in 15 road IP
- The bullpen has a 4.19 ERA and 1.32 WHIP but has blown 15 saves in 38 attempts
Pirates at Diamondbacks odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:21 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Pirates +108 (bet $100 to win $108) | Diamondbacks -126 (bet $126 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Pirates +1.5 (-196) | Diamondbacks -1.5 (+162)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -118 | U: -104)
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Pirates at Diamondbacks picks and predictions
Prediction
Diamondbacks 6, Pirates 4
Moneyline
The Pirates are scuffling a bit as have the Diamondbacks.
Arizona is 25-23 at home and, despite the win Friday, are 1-5 in their last 6 home games.
Of course, the Pirates are 18-27 on the road this season and have dropped 6 of their last 7 road games.
The Pirates have lost 3 of Keller’s last 4 starts.
But the Diamondbacks’ recent wins have been by multiple runs, making the run line a better play for them.
PASS.
Run line/Against the spread
The Diamondbacks are 52-37 ATS this season overall, the fourth-best mark in all of baseball. The Pirates are 41-47 ATS overall.
The Diamondbacks’ last 10 wins and 15 out of their last 16 have been by 2 or more runs. So if you like them to win, they likely cover the spread today, which has nice positive odds.
The Pirates’ last 7 losses have been by at least 2 runs.
BET DIAMONDBACKS -1.5 (+162).
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Over/Under
Three of the 4 meetings between the 2 teams this season have had at least 9 total runs.
Seven of the Pirates’ last 9 games had 9 or more total runs.
Three of the Diamondbacks’ last 4 had more than 8 total runs.
BET OVER 8.5 (-118).
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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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