Game Details
- Matchup: Houston Astros (33-27) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (22-39)
- Date: Wednesday, June 4, 2025
- Time: 6:40 PM ET
- Venue: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
- Broadcast: AT&T SportsNet Southwest, SportsNet Pittsburgh
Recent Performance:
- Astros won Game 1 of the series 3-0, securing their third win in four games.
- Pirates have lost three of their last five games.
- Houston holds an 11-15 road record, while Pittsburgh is 13-17 at home.
Probable Pitchers
- Houston Astros: Lance McCullers Jr. (0-1, 5.89 ERA)
- Last outing: 6 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 7 Ks vs. Rays.
- Pittsburgh Pirates: Paul Skenes (4-5, 2.15 ERA)
- Last outing: 7 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 6 Ks vs. Padres.
Key Players to Watch
- Houston Astros:
- Jeremy Peña: .309 AVG, 9 HR, 30 RBI.
- Jose Altuve: .263 AVG, 9 HR, 22 RBI.
- Pittsburgh Pirates:
- Oneil Cruz: 12 HR, .476 SLG.
- Bryan Reynolds: 34 RBI, .550 AVG in last five games.
Game Analysis & Prediction
The Astros enter Game 2 with momentum after shutting out the Pirates 3-0 in the series opener. Houston’s pitching staff has been dominant, and Lance McCullers Jr. will look to build on his solid performance against Tampa Bay. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s offense has struggled, failing to score in Game 1 and relying heavily on Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds to generate runs.
Paul Skenes has been a bright spot for the Pirates, boasting a 2.15 ERA and ranking eighth in the majors in ERA. If he can contain Houston’s lineup, Pittsburgh has a chance to bounce back. However, the Astros’ depth and recent form make them the favorites.
Game Odds
Houston Astros – 135
Pittsburgh Pirates 9
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, June 3, 2025
