Featured Match-up: (903) Los Angeles Dodgers (-183/8 over -115) vs. (904) Pittsburgh Pirates
As recently as just a season ago, if the Los Angeles Dodgers would have dropped a game, I would definitely raise an eyebrow and look at them in the following outing to bounce back. But I think we can all agree this season the Dodgers are looking a bit more mortal than we have seen them look in years. They lost Game 1 of this series yesterday by a score of 9-7. They have also split four meetings with the Pittsburgh Pirates this season. Yesterday’s road defeat dropped them to just under .500 as a visitor this season at 33-34 away from home. Meanwhile, I think we can all agree the Pittsburgh Pirates have almost no chance of making the postseason. But that’s not stopping them from showing some pride. Yes, they sit in last place in the Central division at 62-77. They are 23.0-games back in the division, and 13.0-games back for a Wildcard opportunity. Despite a slow start the Bucs have shown signs of life, winning nine of their last 12 contests. They have done it with a combination of solid bats at the plate, and consistent pitching.
Speaking of which, today, Ohtani and Ashcraft are slated. The Los Angeles right-hander will make his twelfth start of the campaign, as he possesses a 1-1 record with a 4.18 ERA. This is just his second career start against Pittsburgh, going 1-0 with a whopping ERA of 7.11. To be very honest, while he is striking out batters, he just isn’t as dominant despite respectable numbers. The Pirates right-hander is 4-2 with a 2.58 ERA in 2025. He will be making his fifth start since joining the team’s rotation back on August 9, and his first ever against today’s opponent. In his four starts since joining rotation this season, he has allowed a combined three earned runs in approximately 19.0 innings pitched. Normally I would fade a team that has nothing to play for like the Pirates here, but Pittsburgh is playing well and I like Ashcraft. Like last night, I do feel they could be a big thorn in the Dodgers side once again. I feel there is enormous value in taking them as a home ‘dog.
PICK: PITTSBURGH PIRATES +150
