The Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia Phillies continue their three-game series at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday, May 17, 2025. The Phillies took the opener 8-4, powered by Bryce Harper’s milestone 1,000th career RBI and a late-game offensive explosion. The Pirates, struggling offensively, hope to break their slump and even the series.
Game Details
- Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
- Time: 6:05 p.m. ET
- Location: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
- Broadcast: ESPN, NBC Sports Philadelphia
Team Breakdown & Key Players
Pittsburgh Pirates
- Record: 15-30 (Last in NL Central)
- Key Players:
- Oneil Cruz (SS): Leads the team with eight home runs and five doubles.
- Alexander Canario (OF): Batting .353 over his last 10 games, providing a rare offensive spark.
- Paul Skenes (RHP): The Pirates’ top pitching prospect, set to face Bryce Harper for the first time.
- Starting Pitcher: Carmen Mlodzinski (RHP, 1-3, 5.20 ERA) – Has struggled with command but hopes to contain Philadelphia’s power hitters.
Philadelphia Phillies
- Record: 26-18 (2nd in NL East)
- Key Players:
- Kyle Schwarber (DH): Batting .261 with 15 home runs, putting himself in early MVP conversations.
- Bryce Harper (1B): Coming off a historic night, reaching 1,000 career RBIs.
- Alec Bohm (3B): 14-for-34 with two home runs and five RBIs in his last 10 games.
- Starting Pitcher: Ranger Suárez (LHP, 3-0, 1.80 ERA vs. Pirates in career) – Has dominated Pittsburgh in past matchups.
Game Storylines
- Pirates’ Offensive Struggles: Pittsburgh has scored just 29 runs in the past 15 days, ranking last in MLB.
- Phillies’ Late-Game Power: Philadelphia’s eighth-inning surge in Game 1 showcased their ability to capitalize late.
- Skenes vs. Harper: A highly anticipated matchup between two of baseball’s biggest names.
Game Odds
Pittsburgh Pirates 8.5
Philadelphia Phillies – 305
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 16, 2025
