Arizona Diamondbacks (59-52) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (56-54)
August 4, 2024 1:35 pm EDT
The Line: Pittsburgh Pirates -164 / Arizona Diamondbacks +139; Over/Under: +7.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Arizona Diamondbacks and the Pittsburgh Pirates meet Sunday in MLB action from PNC Park. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s an Pittsburgh Pirates vs Arizona Diamondbacks Prediction.
Starting Pitching Matchup
The Arizona Diamondbacks will start Ryne Nelson here and Nelson is 8-6 with a 4.53 ERA and 79 strikeouts this season. This will be Nelson’s first career start against the Pirates. Paul Skenes will get the start for the Pirates and is 6-1 with a 1.90 ERA and 103 strikeouts this season. This will be Skenes’ first career start against the Diamondbacks.
Arizona Diamondbacks Recap
The Arizona Diamondbacks come into this one looking to win the series after dropping Saturday’s matchup, evening the series at one win apiece after the 4-2 Pirates victory. The loss put the series win streak of Arizona’s in jeopardy, which includes wins over the Nationals, Pirates and Royals over the last two weeks.
Diamondbacks Looking To Keep Momentum Going In Playoff Push
Entering Saturday, Ketel Marte leads the Diamondbacks with 123 hits in addition to a .303 batting average and 20 doubles with 26 home runs and 74 RBIs while Lourdes Gurriel Jr. also has 14 home runs and 58 RBIs as well this season. Corbin Carroll has a team-high 20 stolen bases while Eugenio Suarez has 118 strikeouts this season. Christian Walker also has 23 home runs with 71 RBIs of his own in addition to 114 strikeouts this season.
Why the Arizona Diamondbacks will win
- The Diamondbacks have won each of their last nine games against NL Central opponents following a loss.
- The Pirates have lost five of their last six games as home favorites following a home win.
- The Diamondbacks have covered the run line in 12 of their last 13 games as underdogs against the Pirates.
- The Pirates have failed to cover the run line in five of their last six games as favorites following a home win.
Pittsburgh Pirates Recap
The Pittsburgh Pirates will be out to win the series after sneaking out the win in Saturday’s matchup to tie up the series. The win gave the Pirates a chance to build on their series win over the Astros to start the week.
Pirates Looking To Climb Division Ranks
Going into Saturday’s matchup, Bryan Reynolds leads the Pirates with 121 hits with 21 doubles along with 18 home runs and 63 RBIs while Andrew McCutchen has 13 home runs and Jack Suwinski has 9 stolen bases. Oneil Cruz has 10 stolen bases and 131 strikeouts while also posting 23 doubles, 17 home runs and 56 RBIs and Connor Joe has a .242 batting average and 18 doubles as well this season. Ke’Bryan Hayes also has 10 stolen bases as well this season.
Why the Pittsburgh Pirates will win
- The Pirates have won six of their last seven day games after playing the previous day.
- The Diamondbacks have lost four of their last five day games against National League opponents that held a winning record.
- The Pirates have covered the run line each of their last six games against teams that held a winning record.
- The Diamondbacks have failed to cover the run line in six of their last seven games against NL Central opponents that held a winning record.
Pittsburgh Pirates vs Arizona Diamondbacks Prediction
I’m on the Diamondbacks here. I get why the Pirates are favored with Paul Skenes starting, but we’ve seen before, Skenes can pitch as well as he wants but the Pirates offense has to back him up and I’m not sure I can trust Pittsburgh to do that. Nelson’s been solid, and right now I trust the Arizona lineup a lot more then I do Pittsburgh’s in the end. I’ll back Arizona here.
