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LA Dodgers (78-61) at Pittsburgh (63-77)
- When: Sep 4 2025, 6:40 PM
- Where: PNC Park, Pittsburgh
- Where to watch: SportsNet LA
Dodgers vs. Pirates – Game Betting Preview & Prediction
Moneyline: LA Dodgers -127
Spread: LA Dodgers -1.5 (+147)
Total: 7.0
Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Preview
The Pirates (63-77) are hunting for a statement sweep against the reigning champs, and all eyes are on Paul Skenes. The 23-year-old phenom continues to build his Cy Young case, carrying a 2.05 ERA this season and an even better 2.01 career ERA, the lowest through 51 starts in the live-ball era.
Skenes has fared well against the Dodgers in limited action, going 2-1 with a 3.63 ERA in three starts. Most notably, he blanked Los Angeles for 6 1/3 innings in April, striking out nine while giving up just five hits. The Pirates are being cautious with his workload, aiming to keep him under 200 innings, but he’s still sitting at a career-high 167 frames already.
Even when not at his sharpest, Skenes has shown the poise of a veteran, working out of trouble and limiting damage. Pittsburgh has played steady .500 baseball since Don Kelly took over as manager in May, and their ace gives them a real chance to close this series in style.
Los Angeles Dodgers Betting Preview
The Dodgers (78-61) are looking to avoid a sweep after a rough stretch where they’ve dropped four of their last five. Blake Snell, who recently returned from the paternity list, gets the ball with the task of halting the skid.
Snell is 3-3 with a 2.41 ERA, though his latest outing was a 3-0 loss to Arizona where diminished velocity raised eyebrows—his fastball averaged 93.5 mph, down from his season norm of 95.2. Snell insists it was situational, not structural, but bettors should note that he’s been inconsistent since returning from a lengthy IL stint for shoulder inflammation.
Historically, Snell hasn’t enjoyed success against Pittsburgh, carrying a 1-2 record with a 6.86 ERA in five career starts versus the Pirates. The Dodgers’ playoff positioning also adds pressure, they now trail Philadelphia by two games for the second NL first-round bye. Complicating matters further, catcher Will Smith suffered a hand contusion Wednesday, and while X-rays were clean, his availability remains uncertain.
MLB Betting Outlook & Prediction
MyBookie have Los Angeles as the slim favorite (-127) with the total set at 7.0 runs, but recent form paints a different picture. The Pirates have momentum, their ace on the hill, and the Dodgers are scuffling with lineup uncertainty and a starter still finding rhythm.
Score Prediction: Pirates 3, Dodgers 2
Pick: Pittsburgh (+108)
Total: Under 7.0 (-101)
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
