San Diego (63-52) at Pittsburgh (56-57)
- When: Aug 8 2024, 12:35 PM
- Where: PNC Park, Pittsburgh
- Where to watch: MLB Network
Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total
San Diego Padres @ Pittsburgh Pirates
Moneyline
San Diego Padres -108
Pittsburgh Pirates -112
San Diego Padres @ Pittsburgh Pirates
Runline
San Diego Padres 1.5 (-220)
Pittsburgh Pirates -1.5 (+180)
San Diego Padres @ Pittsburgh Pirates
Total
Over 8.5 (-120)
Under 8.5 (EVEN)
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
Probable Pitchers:
San Diego: Randy Vásquez (3-6, 4.62)
Pittsburgh: Luis L. Ortiz (5-2, 3.21)
Team Stats
| Padres | Pirates | |
| 63-52 | Record | 56-57 |
| 33-23 | Away & Home | 27-20 |
| 8-2 | Last 10 | 4-6 |
| W4 | Streak | L3 |
Game Preview
Jackson Merrill, though a rookie, shows the poise of a seasoned hitter. On Wednesday, the 21-year-old slugger hit a game-tying home run in the ninth inning, contributing to the San Diego Padres’ 9-8 win in extra innings over the Pittsburgh Pirates. This was his third game-tying or game-winning homer in the ninth inning this season, leading the majors.
Merrill and the Padres aim to secure a sweep of the Pirates on Thursday. "He embraces these moments," Padres manager Mike Shildt said. "He thrives on them. He’s got that ‘it’ factor."
In Wednesday’s game, Merrill hit two homers and finished 4-for-6. He leads all rookies with a .288 batting average and ranks second in slugging percentage (.467) and third in on-base-plus-slugging percentage (.785). Notably, his road performance has been exceptional, hitting .337 with a .520 slugging percentage and an .877 OPS, compared to his .237 average and .411 slugging at home.
Post-All-Star break, Merrill has batted .344 with a stellar .997 OPS. He’s not alone in contributing to the Padres’ strong post-break performance; second baseman Xander Bogaerts is hitting .409 since the break.
San Diego will start Randy Vasquez (3-6, 4.62 ERA) on Thursday. Vasquez gave up two hits in 1 1/3 innings during his only previous outing against the Pirates this year.
The Pirates, struggling with multiple blown leads during their six-game homestand, fell short on Wednesday despite a late push. Pittsburgh’s closer, David Bednar, allowed Merrill’s tying shot, and reliever Colin Holderman took the loss in the 10th inning. Manager Derek Shelton emphasized the need to finish games to maintain their performance from earlier in the season. The Pirates did narrow the gap to one run in the 10th and had a chance to win but fell short.
MLB Parlay Picks & Predictions
Final Score: San Diego 5-4
The Pick: San Diego -108 & Over 8½ (-120)
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $353
- MLB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
