Game Details
- Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
- Time: 4:05 PM ET
- Venue: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
- Broadcast: ATTP, Bally Sports South
The Atlanta Braves (18-20) take on the Pittsburgh Pirates (13-26) in the second game of a three-game series at PNC Park. The Pirates hold a 1-0 series lead after securing a win in the opener. Atlanta looks to bounce back and even the series, while Pittsburgh aims to build momentum at home.
Team Form & Key Storylines
Pittsburgh Pirates: Seeking Consistency
The Pirates have struggled this season, sitting near the bottom of the NL standings. However, they have shown flashes of power, particularly when hitting multiple home runs in a game. Pittsburgh is 8-12 at home, and a win here would help them improve their record at PNC Park.
Atlanta Braves: Road Woes Continue
Atlanta has been inconsistent on the road, holding a 6-14 away record. Despite their struggles, Braves pitchers have maintained a 3.99 ERA, ranking eighth in the National League. The team will need a strong pitching performance to overcome their road difficulties.
Head-to-Head History
This is the second meeting of the season between these teams. The Pirates took the series opener, but Atlanta has historically performed well against Pittsburgh.
Key Matchups to Watch
Oneil Cruz vs. Braves Pitching
Cruz leads the Pirates with eight home runs and a .476 slugging percentage. His ability to generate power could be a deciding factor against Atlanta’s pitching staff.
Austin Riley vs. Pirates Pitching
Riley has been Atlanta’s top slugger, matching Cruz with eight home runs and a .487 slugging percentage. His ability to drive in runs will be crucial for the Braves.
Starting Pitchers: AJ Smith-Shawver vs. Andrew Heaney
- Braves:AJ Smith-Shawver (2-2, 3.00 ERA, 27 strikeouts in 27.2 innings)
- Smith-Shawver has been solid, averaging 9.0 strikeouts per nine innings.
- He pitched eight scoreless innings in his last outing against Cincinnati.
- Pirates: Andrew Heaney (2-3, 4.50 ERA, 32 strikeouts in 36 innings)
- Heaney has struggled with control but has the ability to limit damage.
Game Odds
Atlanta Braves – 155
Pittsburgh Pirates 9
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 9, 2025
