MLB Game Preview: Atlanta Braves (19-20) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (13-27)

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Pittsburgh Pirates logo

The Atlanta Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates are set to face off in the final game of their three-game series at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. The game is scheduled for May 11, 2025, at 1:35 PM ET.

Team Overview & Recent Form

Atlanta Braves (19-20, 4th in NL East)

  • Last Five Games: Win, Loss, Win, Loss, Win
  • Road Record: 7-14
  • Batting Average: .198 over the last 10 games
  • Key Players:
  • Austin Riley – Leads the Braves with 15 extra-base hits (7 doubles, 8 home runs).
  • Matt Olson – 6-for-36 with 3 home runs and 6 RBIs in the last 10 games.
  • Marcell Ozuna – A key offensive contributor, looking to spark Atlanta’s lineup.

Pittsburgh Pirates (13-27, 5th in NL Central)

  • Last Five Games: Loss, Win, Loss, Loss, Loss
  • Home Record: 8-13
  • Batting Average: .200 over the last 10 games
  • Key Players:
  • Oneil Cruz – Leads the Pirates with 8 home runs, slugging .462.
  • Bryan Reynolds – 7-for-39 with 2 home runs and 5 RBIs in the last 10 games.
  • Joey Bart – Coming off a four-hit game on Saturday, looking to continue his hot streak.

Pitching Matchup

  • Braves: Chris Sale (LHP) – A veteran left-hander with a 4.07 ERA, ranked 10th among MLB starters.
  • Pirates: Carmen Mlodzinski (RHP) – Struggling with a 6.16 ERA, looking to rebound against a Braves lineup that ranks 16th overall.

Game Analysis & Predictions

  • Braves’ Strategy: Atlanta has struggled on the road but has the edge in pitching with Chris Sale on the mound. If Austin Riley and Matt Olson can provide offensive support, the Braves have a strong chance to take the series.
  • Pirates’ Strategy: Pittsburgh needs Mlodzinski to step up and limit Atlanta’s power hitters. If Joey Bart and Oneil Cruz can generate offense, the Pirates could pull off an upset.

Game Odds

Atlanta Braves                  – 225

Pittsburgh Pirates            8

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, May 10, 2025

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