The Pittsburgh Pirates will host the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second game of this mid-week series. It’s time to continue our MLB odds series and make a Dodgers-Pirates prediction and pick.
Los Angeles took the first game of this series by a score of 5-3. Walker Buehler threw an absolute gem for the Dodgers and the Pirates tried to claw back with three runs in the final two frames. This series features a tale of two stories as the Dodgers are climbing back up the standings and the Pirates have a stronghold on last place in the National League.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Dodgers-Pirates odds.
MLB Odds: Dodgers-Pirates Odds
Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5 (-110)
Pittsburgh Pirates +1.5 (-110)
Over 9 Runs (-105)
Under 9 Runs (-115)
Why The Dodgers Could Cover The Spread
The Los Angeles Dodgers haven't gotten off to the start that they had hoped for as the defending champions. This season has been a bit up-and-down for the Dodgers and they are still 34-25 through the first two months of the regular season. Their potent lineup has been as advertised as they currently average 5.31 runs per game, which is the second-best mark in the Majors. The Dodgers are 15-15 on the road this season, which explains the mediocre record. The pitching staff hasn't been great when pitching away from Los Angeles. The Dodgers do have a favorable matchup as they've won 11 straight games against the Pirates coming in.
Los Angeles right-hander Tony Gonsolin will make his season debut after missing the first two months of the season with a shoulder injury. Gonsolin adds to an already dominant rotation and should round it out if he returns to form. The Dodgers right-hander was terrific last season with a 2-2 record and 2.31 ERA through eight starts and nine appearances. He has a career 2.60 ERA through 86.2 innings of work.
Why The Pirates Could Cover The Spread
The Pittsburgh Pirates have been as advertised this season, which isn't a good thing. They are currently 23-36 through the first two months of the regular season and there isn't one sole problem to target. The Pirates have a team batting average of .229, which is 24th in the Majors. Pittsburgh's slugging percentage is the worst in all of baseball at .349 as well. They have only scored 206 runs this far, which is second to last in the league. On the bright side, the Pirates are 5-2 through their last seven home games coming into this matchup with the Dodgers.
The Pittsburgh pirates will turn to left-hander Tyler Anderson. The Pirates southpaw hasn't had a very strong start to the season with a 3-5 record and 4.67 ERA through 61.2 innings of work. He has been especially bad of late with a 1-3 record and 5.05 ERA through his past seven starts. Hopefully his most recent start against the Marlins wasn't a fluke and he is starting to figure some things out on the bump. Anderson gave up three earned runs through 5.1 innings back on June 3rd.
Final Dodgers-Pirates Prediction & Pick
In a game that features two teams on complete opposite ends of the spectrum, I expect the Dodgers to come out strong at the plate. They are 11-7 in 18 games against left-handed starters this season and get a fairly favorable matchup against a struggling southpaw. Los Angeles has a huge edge in all facets of the game and should build on their 11-game winning streak against the Pirates. I expect Tony Gonsolin to be dialed in for his season debut and turn in a strong start for the Dodgers as well. Pittsburgh poses absolutely no threat at the plate. Tremendous value with this spread.
FINAL PICK: Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5 (-110)
Follow Us
Subscribe