MLB Game Preview: Pittsburgh Pirates (10-15) vs. Los Angeles Angels (11-12)

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The Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Angels are set to face off in the final game of their three-game series on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. With the Pirates leading the series 2-0, the Angels will aim to avoid a sweep and bounce back from their recent struggles.

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Game Details

  • Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
  • Time: 9:29 PM ET
  • Venue: Angel Stadium, Anaheim, CA
  • Broadcast: Regional networks and MLB Network

Team Overview

Pittsburgh Pirates

  • Record: 10-15 (5th in NL Central)
  • Key Players:
    • Bryan Reynolds: A consistent performer, Reynolds has been pivotal for the Pirates, going 14-for-40 with a home run and seven RBIs over the last 10 games.
    • Isiah Kiner-Falefa: Leading the team with a .291 batting average, Kiner-Falefa has contributed three doubles and a triple this season.
    • Carmen Mlodzinski: The Pirates’ starting pitcher for Game 3, Mlodzinski has struggled with a 1-3 record, 7.41 ERA, and 2.00 WHIP. He’ll need to improve his control to give Pittsburgh a chance to sweep the series.

Los Angeles Angels

  • Record: 11-12 (4th in AL West)
  • Key Players:
    • Mike Trout: Despite the Angels’ struggles, Trout remains a key offensive force with eight home runs and 16 RBIs this season.
    • Taylor Ward: Ward has been heating up, hitting six home runs and four doubles this season.
    • Tyler Anderson: The Angels’ starting pitcher for Game 3, Anderson has been impressive with a 2-0 record, 2.08 ERA, and 1.06 WHIP. He’s coming off six scoreless innings against the Giants and will look to continue his dominance.

Series Recap

  • Game 1: The Pirates opened the series with a 3-0 victory, fueled by strong pitching and timely hitting.
  • Game 2: Pittsburgh edged out Los Angeles 4-3, with Bryan Reynolds and J.P. Crawford delivering clutch hits. The Angels struggled defensively, committing errors that proved costly.

Key Matchups

  1. Carmen Mlodzinski vs. Angels Offense: Mlodzinski’s ability to limit walks and keep the ball in the park will be crucial against a power-hitting Angels lineup.
  2. Tyler Anderson vs. Pirates Offense: Anderson’s consistency on the mound gives the Angels a significant advantage, but he’ll need to navigate Pittsburgh’s improving lineup.
  3. Bryan Reynolds vs. Angels Pitching: Reynolds’ hot bat has been a key factor for Pittsburgh, and Los Angeles must find a way to contain him.

Game Outlook

The Angels will look to capitalize on their home-field advantage and Anderson’s strong form to avoid a series sweep. Their offense, led by Trout and Ward, must step up and deliver timely hits. Meanwhile, the Pirates will rely on Reynolds and Kiner-Falefa to lead their offense and hope for a solid outing from Mlodzinski to secure the sweep.

Game Odds

Pittsburgh Pirates                            9

Los Angeles Angels                         – 148

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, April 23, 2025