The San Francisco Giants (35-27) open a 3-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates (25-37) Friday at PNC Park. First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m. ET Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Giants vs. Pirates odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Season series: First meeting. Pittsburgh took 4 of 7 from San Francisco last season.
The Giants hit the road after a 6-3 home stand. San Francisco is 3 games over-.500 (16-13) in 29 road games. Giants pitching has been dialed in of late and owns a tidy 2.81 ERA since May 25.
The Pirates are back at home after a 1-7 road trip. The Bucs beat the Cardinals Wednesday to snap a 9-game skid. During the 9 games, Pittsburgh batted just .190/.236/.309 (.545 OPS).
Giants at Pirates projected starters
LHP Carlos Rodon vs. RHP Zach Thompson
Rodon (5-4, 3.18 ERA) makes his 13th start of the 2022 campaign. He has a 1.22 WHIP, 3.5 BB/9 and 11.5 K/9 in 65 IP.
- Won Sunday start against the Los Angeles Dodgers with 6 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 3 BB and 8 K.
- Has a 1.80 ERA in his last 3 starts.
Thompson (3-4, 4.50 ERA) has posted a 1.36 WHIP, 3.2 BB/9 and 7.0 K/9 in 12 games (11 starts) through 50 IP.
- Notched a 3.24 ERA, 1.21 WHIP in 75 IP in 2021 rookie season with the Miami Marlins.
- Made just 67 pitches in Saturday loss at the Atlanta Braves with 5 IP, 2 ER, 3 H (2 HR), 1 BB and 4 K.
Giants at Pirates odds and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated 8:36 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Giants -205 (bet $205 to win $100) | Pirates +165 (bet $100 to win $165)
- Run line (RL): Giants -1.5 (-120) | Pirates +1.5 (+100)
- Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -130 | U: +105)
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Giants at Pirates picks and predictions
Prediction
Giants 5, Pirates 3
Money line
At 3.42 runs per game and 5.05 allowed, the Pirates are way out too far over their skis in having a .403 win percentage.
The Giants are the superior club offensively and on the mound (they do themselves no favors defensively). They are worthy of two-thirds attention in this spot. But the current tag offers no leverage: PASS.
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Run line/Against the spread
TAKE SAN FRANCISCO -1.5 (-120).
Strength of schedule is an often overlooked aspect of MLB betting. The Giants have played the much tougher slate so far, especially in regard to quality of hitting faced. Rodon and a rested Giants bullpen — one that has pitched quite well on the road — make for some value here.
Over/Under
Subsurface numbers for San Francisco pitching and batting say Under. Pirates batting comparisons and the weather report (warm with an outward-blowing batter’s wind) say Over.
Call it a tie, and SIT THIS ONE OUT.
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