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LA Dodgers (42-24) at Pittsburgh (34-32)
- When: Jun 9 2026, 6:40 PM
- Where: PNC Park, Pittsburgh
- TV: SportsNet LA
LA Dodgers vs Pittsburgh MLB Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Pittsburgh -110
Runline: Pittsburgh -1.5 (+185)
Total: 8.5
Los Angeles Dodgers Betting Preview
The Dodgers arrive in Pittsburgh after a rough finish to their weekend series against the Angels, but the bigger picture remains positive. Los Angeles has won 11 of its last 15 games and continues to hold a comfortable lead atop the NL West.
While the bullpen endured an ugly outing on Sunday, the off day gives manager Dave Roberts a chance to reset his relief corps before this series opener. The Dodgers have still been one of the league’s best pitching teams, ranking among the National League leaders in WHIP and batting average against.
Eric Lauer gets the start after making a smooth transition since joining Los Angeles. The veteran left-hander owns a 2.53 ERA in two starts with the Dodgers and has historically enjoyed success against Pittsburgh, posting a 3-2 record with a 2.61 ERA in 10 career appearances against the club.
If Will Smith returns behind the plate and the lineup continues receiving contributions from role players like Dalton Rushing, Los Angeles will have plenty of offensive support available.
Player Prop Pick: Eric Lauer Under 2.5 Earned Runs Allowed – Lauer has settled in nicely with Los Angeles, allowing just three earned runs across his first two starts. Against a Pirates lineup that has struggled for consistency, another efficient outing is well within reach.
Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Preview
Pittsburgh returns home looking to recover from a disappointing sweep in Atlanta. The Pirates had won five of six games before the weekend but once again saw bullpen issues become a major concern.
Fortunately for Pittsburgh, the ball now goes to Paul Skenes. The young ace owns a 6-5 record with a 3.09 ERA and has repeatedly served as the club’s stopper whenever momentum begins to slip away.
Although Skenes has experienced a slight downturn recently, his strikeout numbers remain elite. Over his last four starts he has recorded 26 strikeouts while issuing only six walks. Even more encouraging is his history against Los Angeles. In four career starts against the Dodgers, Skenes is 3-1 with a 2.70 ERA and has consistently neutralized one of baseball’s most dangerous lineups.
Pittsburgh will be counting on another dominant performance as it tries to avoid a prolonged losing streak.
Player Prop Pick: Paul Skenes Over 6.5 Strikeouts – Skenes continues to generate swings and misses at an elite rate, and his track record against the Dodgers suggests another high-strikeout outing is likely.
Betting Outlook
This matchup features two capable starters, but Skenes has proven he can elevate his game against top competition. Pittsburgh also enters with extra urgency after being swept over the weekend.
Final Score: Pirates 4, Dodgers 3
Lean: Pittsburgh ML (-110)
Total: Under 8.5 (-119)
- MLB Baseball Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
