LA Dodgers vs Pittsburgh Pirates Prediction 8-9-24 MLB Picks

In this article, we will formulate a LA Dodgers vs Pittsburgh Pirates Prediction for this MLB game on Friday, August 9th, at Dodger Stadium. 

Pirates Look to Climb Back Into It

The Pirates have fallen off again, and they come into this game with a 56-58 record. On Thursday, the Pirates scored six runs, but the pitching gave up seven runs and that led to the defeat. Joey Bart did have a strong game, hitting a home run and driving in two RBis. He has been getting hotter heading into this game. The Pirates are averaging 4.21 runs, while their pitching is giving up 4.32 runs per game.

The offense is ranked 20th in the league, while the pitching is ranked 14th. They have a run differential of -0.11 which is 19th. Bryan Reynolds has hit 19 home runs and driven in 8 RBIs so far this season. Getting the start for the Pirates will be Mitch Keller, who sits with a 10-5 record and an ERA of 3.20. In his last start against the Arizona Diamondbacks, he only went four innings but gave up one hit and zero runs. 

Dodgers Suddenly Struggling? 

The Dodgers look like they are suddenly struggling, and in the last game against the Philadelphia Phillies they were defeated 9-4. The Dodgers scored four runs, but the pitching really let them down. Freddie Freeman did have a strong game, finishing with two hits and drove in three RBIs. The Dodgers are averaging 4.89 runs, while their pitching is giving up 4.12 runs per game.

The offense is ranked 5th in the league, while the pitching is ranked 9th. Shohei Ohtani has hit 34 home runs and driven in 84 RBIs so far this season. Getting the start for the Dodgers will be Jack Flaherty, who sits with an 8-5 record and an ERA of 2.80. He has been dominant heading into this game, and in his last start against The Oakland Athletics, he went six innings, giving up five hits and zero runs. 

Why the Dodgers Will Beat the Pirates

• The Pirates have lost each of their last six games against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium following a home loss.
• The Dodgers have won 15 of their last 18 home games against NL Central opponents that held a losing record.
• The Pirates have failed to cover the run line in seven of their last eight games as road underdogs against National League opponents following a home loss.
• The Dodgers have covered the run line in each of their last three games as favorites against the Pirates following a loss.

LA Dodgers vs Pittsburgh Pirates Prediction

Both of the offenses are going to have some major issues getting going here. The Dodgers send Flaherty to the mound, who has been dominant this year, and especially as of late he’s been excellent. Keller sits with an ERA of 3.20, and he’s also been good in his own right. Both of these pitchers are going to really step up here, and that will be the difference here, as this game is going to stay under the total.