MLB Game Preview: Milwaukee Brewers (24-26) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (17-33)

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Game Details

  • Date: May 22, 2025
  • Location: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
  • Start Time: 6:40 PM ET
  • Season Series: First meeting of the season

Team Overview

  • Milwaukee Brewers (24-26, 9-16 Away)
    The Brewers have had an up-and-down season, avoiding sweeps but also failing to secure dominant series wins. They recently won two of three against the Orioles, showing resilience despite injuries in their pitching staff. Their offense has been inconsistent, ranking 26th in OPS (.657) and 13th in total runs (212), but their speed on the basepaths (65 steals, 2nd in MLB) has been a bright spot.

  • Pittsburgh Pirates (17-33, 11-14 Home)
    The Pirates have struggled mightily, going 5-14 in May and ranking last in MLB in runs scored (146) and OPS (.617). However, they snapped a four-game losing streak with back-to-back wins over the Reds, showing signs of life. Their pitching staff has been slightly better than Milwaukee’s, ranking 17th in ERA (3.97) compared to the Brewers’ 19th-ranked ERA (4.11).

Key Matchups

  • Starting Pitchers:
    • Pirates: Mike Burrows (RHP) – Making his season debut after being called up from Triple-A Indianapolis. He posted a 2.51 ERA in the minors this year.
    • Brewers: Carlos Rodriguez (RHP) – Expected to be recalled from Triple-A Nashville. He has a 1.99 ERA in the minors but struggled in the majors last season (7.30 ERA).
  • Top Hitters:
    • Brewers: Rhys Hoskins (.300/.402/.500, 7 HR), Jackson Chourio (.241/.260/.415, 7 HR), Brice Turang (.288/.363/.379).
    • Pirates: Oneil Cruz (.221/.350/.421, 8 HR), Bryan Reynolds (.203/.268/.323, 6 HR), Andrew McCutchen (.243/.344/.357).
  • Bullpen Battle:
  • The Brewers’ bullpen has struggled, ranking 23rd in reliever ERA (4.61).
  • The Pirates’ bullpen has been slightly better, led by closer Dennis Santana, but their offense has failed to capitalize.

X-Factors

  • Pirates’ Offensive Woes: Pittsburgh has failed to score more than four runs in 26 straight games, tying a historic MLB record.
  • Brewers’ Speed: Milwaukee’s aggressive baserunning could exploit Pittsburgh’s pitching struggles.
  • Rookie Pitchers: Both teams are relying on young arms, making this a potential wild-card matchup.

Game Odds

Milwaukee Brewers       – 120

Pittsburgh Pirates            9

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, May 21, 2025