Pittsburgh (22-37) at San Diego (32-24)
- When: Jun 1 2025, 5:10 PM
- Where: PETCO Park, San Diego
- Where to watch: SportsNet PT
Sunday Showdown at Petco: Pirates Walk the Plank or Padres Get Pegged?
Moneyline: San Diego (-155)
Total: 8.5
Pirates: Looking for Treasure, Finding Trouble
The Pirates sail into Sunday trying to avoid walking the plank again. With a 9-21 record on the road, Pittsburgh’s away games have felt more like haunted voyages than competitive baseball. Still, they’ve shown flashes of life, going 6-4 in their last 10 and even remembering how to hit .280 batting average over that span. Oneil Cruz is swinging like he’s angry at the baseball, while Bryan Reynolds has been hotter than a jalapeño on a San Diego fish taco, with 12 RBIs in 10 games.
The Buccos are handing the ball to Andrew Heaney, who’s been sneakily solid this season (3.41 ERA). But whether he’s more “ace” or “accidental hero” depends on if the defense behind him remembers which way first base is.
Padres: San Diego’s Sun-Soaked Swagger
The Padres have been comfortable at home (19-10), which makes sense who wouldn’t be relaxed hitting dingers in front of beach weather and a sea of rally towels? Despite a .200 team average in their last 10 games (ouch), San Diego is still in the fight thanks to their pop. Fernando Tatis Jr. continues to be a walking highlight reel, and someone please check Gavin Sheets’ bat five homers in 10 games screams “hot streak or mild sorcery.”
On the mound, Randy Vasquez brings a 3.58 ERA and enough WHIP to make you nervous. But he’s won three of his last four starts, and when he’s not flirting with disaster, he’s actually keeping San Diego in games.
Prediction: Padres Weather the Pirate Storm
The Pirates may have the better recent stats, but they’re still trying to win a series against a team that’s had their number all season. San Diego’s lineup wakes up just enough, and Petco Park doesn’t disappoint.
MVP of the Game: Tatis Jr. (with one majestic bat flip guaranteed)
Final Score Prediction: Padres 6, Pirates 4
Bets Bet: San Diego RL -1.5 (+140)
Total: Over 8.5 (-115)
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
