Pittsburgh Pirates vs Cleveland Guardians Betting Picks & Predictions

Game outlook

The Pittsburgh Pirates (62-71) will face off against the Cleveland Guardians (76-58) on Saturday evening in the second game of their three-game series at Progressive Field. RHP Luis L. Ortiz (5-4, 3.36 ERA) will start for the Pirates, while Matthew Boyd (1-0, 2.70 ERA) will take the mound for the Guardians. Cleveland, currently leading the AL Central, is favored to win with a betting line of -164. Last season, the Guardians won two out of three games against the Pirates in their previous series. The game is set to begin at 6:10 PM Eastern time.

Betting Odds

Moneyline: Pirates +149 | Guardians -164

Spread: Pirates +1.5 (-145) | Guardians -1.5 (+126)

Total: Over/Under 8.5 (-110)

Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Cleveland will win straight-up is 62%.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates were swept by the Cubs in Chicago this week, falling in the series finale 14-10. Despite taking the lead into the ninth inning, Chicago scored six runs to complete the comeback. Reliever David Bednar suffered his seventh loss of the season, giving up five earned runs in less than an inning. Rookie starter Paul Skenes pitched five innings, allowing three runs on five hits. Bryan Reynolds and Connor Joe both homered in the loss, with first baseman Roddy Tellez driving in two runs. Pirates pitchers have struggled recently, allowing five runs or more in three straight games. Manager Derek Shelton expressed frustration after the collapse against the Cubs. Injuries include Tellez being day-to-day with an apparent injury, while Ke'Bryan Hayes and Andrew McCutchen remain on the IL. The Pirates currently have a power ranking of 26, ranking 21st in offense and defense, with a 82-80 record this season.