The Pittsburgh Pirates are squaring off against the Oakland Athletics at PNC Park. This interleague showdown will begin at 1:35 p.m. ET and fans can tune in to NBC Sports – California to catch the game.
Oakland Athletics at Pittsburgh Pirates Odds
Pittsburgh (receiving +100 odds) is stepping into this one as an underdog to Oakland and Vegas has put the Over/Under for this afternoon game at 8 runs (-120 for the over and +100 for the under). Bettors can also wager on the game’s runline with the current odds sitting at +135 for the Athletics -1.5 runs and -155 for the Pirates +1.5.
The Pirates are 15-15 straight up (SU) and 16-13 against the spread (ATS). The team has lost 0.2 units for bettors taking the moneyline while earning 1.3 units ATS. Pittsburgh has a 3-4 ATS mark over its last seven games and the over has hit in four of those seven. The Athletics are 15-20 SU and have gone 14-20 against the spread. Overall, the team’s lost 6.1 units for gamblers taking the moneyline in this young season and 8.4 units ATS. Oakland has covered the spread only once in its last seven games and the total has gone under in three of those seven.
Pittsburgh games have an over/under record of 13-16 so far in 2019. Oakland has an over/under record of 19-14-1.
The right-handed Frankie Montas is the probable starter for the visiting Athletics. Montas (4-2, 2.97 ERA) has racked up 30 strikeouts in 33.1 innings so far. He has yet to face the Pirates this year and did not record a start against them in 2018, either.
The Pirates are turning to righty Jordan Lyles (2-1, 2.42 ERA), who has 26 strikeouts and nine walks, in addition to a WHIP of 1.15. Lyles did not register a start against the Athletics in 2018.
Pittsburgh’s pitchers have given up 4.4 runs per game overall in 2019 as a unit. Its starters have an ERA of 3.51, a WHIP of 1.15 and a strikeouts-per-nine of 7.9. The bullpen has a 4.29 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 10.9 K/9.
The Pittsburgh hitters are putting up 3.5 runs per contest, including 3.2 per game over its last 10 games and 5.2 per game over their last five. The team has a slash-line of .266/.324/.426 over its last five matchups and is 3-2 SU during that stretch.
The Pirates’ offense has been led by first baseman Josh Bell and right fielder Melky Cabrera. Bell is slashing .291/.370/.627 with eight home runs, 25 RBIs and 19 runs scored, while Cabrera is hitting .344 with 31 hits, eight RBIs and nine runs.
For the visitors, Oakland’s pitching staff allowed 4.9 runs per game and its starters own a 4.87 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 6.93 K/9. The bullpen has managed an ERA of 4.34, along with a K-per-9 of 9.37.
Athletics hitters have slashed .243/.321/.409 on their way to 4.7 runs scored per game this season, including 5.0 runs per game over the team’s last 10 games and 5.2 per game over the team’s last five contests (1-4 SU).
Oakland’s offensive production has been powered by shortstop Marcus Semien and third baseman Matt Chapman, who have combined to drive in 40 runs. Semien is hitting .296/.377/.444 with four home runs, 18 RBIs and 21 runs scored, while Chapman is hitting .306/.393/.621 with nine homers, 22 RBIs and 20 runs scored.
The Athletics have lost 10.3 units and are 8-14 ATS when facing a right-handed starting pitcher this season. The over has hit in 13 of those games, as opposed to eight that’ve gone under against righty starters. On the other hand, the Pirates have netted 1.1 units and are 11-8 ATS when facing a right-handed starting pitcher. The over’s hit in seven of those games, as opposed to 12 that’ve cashed the under.
Athletics vs. Pirates Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Pirates, ATS Winner – Pirates, O/U – OVER
Betting Trends
- Oakland has recorded 15 extra-base hits over its last five games. Pittsburgh has 17 XBH over its last five.
- The Athletics have hit seven home runs in their last 10 games. The Pirates have hit nine over their last 10.
- The Athletics have an OPS of .730 this season and an OPS of .706 against right-handed pitchers. The Pirates’ OPS stands at .670 overall and .705 versus righties.
- Pittsburgh has posted 20.2 Runs + Hits + Errors per game over its last 10 contests and 25.2 over its last five.
- The Pirates have won three of their last four games SU.
