Game Details
- Matchup: Houston Astros (33-28) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (23-39)
- Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025
- Time: 6:40 PM ET
- Venue: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
- Broadcast: SportsNet PT, SCHN
Starting Pitchers
- Houston Astros: Framber Valdez (5-4, 3.12 ERA)
- Pittsburgh Pirates: Mitch Keller (1-7, 3.73 ERA)
Houston Astros Outlook
The Astros enter this matchup as favorites, having won 55% of games as favorites this season. Houston ranks 17th in MLB with 61 home runs and has a .251 team batting average. Key players to watch include:
- Jeremy Peña (.308 BA, 9 HR, 30 RBI) – Leading the team in batting average.
- Jose Altuve (.263 BA, 9 HR) – A veteran presence in the lineup.
- Jake Meyers (.293 BA) – On a three-game hitting streak.
Framber Valdez has been dominant on the mound, posting a 3.12 ERA with 73 strikeouts in 78.2 innings. He has recorded six consecutive quality starts and is looking to extend his streak.
Pittsburgh Pirates Outlook
The Pirates have struggled this season, ranking 29th in total runs (197) and 30th in slugging percentage (.337). However, they have flashes of offensive potential, with key contributors including:
- Oneil Cruz (12 HR) – Leading the team in home runs.
- Bryan Reynolds (34 RBI) – A consistent offensive force.
- Andrew McCutchen (.258 BA) – A veteran presence in the lineup.
Mitch Keller has had mixed results, posting a 3.73 ERA with a 1.26 WHIP. He will need to limit hard contact against Houston’s power-heavy lineup.
Game Odds
Houston Astros – 148
Pittsburgh Pirates 7.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, June 4, 2025
