Game Overview
The Padres enter this matchup with an 18-9 home record, having won 19 of their 31 games when scoring at least five runs. Meanwhile, the Pirates have struggled on the road (8-20) and are looking to snap a three-game losing streak.
San Diego has won two of the three meetings between these teams this season, making them the favorites heading into this contest.
Starting Pitchers
| Team | Pitcher | Record | ERA | WHIP | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Padres | Nick Pivetta (RHP) | 5-2 | 2.72 | 1.01 | 63 |
| Pirates | Mitch Keller (RHP) | 1-6 | 3.66 | 1.30 | 55 |
Pivetta has been dominant, pitching six innings of one-run ball in his last two starts, each with seven strikeouts. Keller, on the other hand, has thrown four consecutive quality starts since May 7, despite going winless over that stretch.
Team Comparisons
| Category | Padres | Pirates |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 31-23 | 21-36 |
| Runs Per Game | 4.3 | 3.2 |
| Batting Average | .253 | .226 |
| Home Runs | 52 | 40 |
| ERA | 3.63 | 4.00 |
| Bullpen ERA | 3.44 | 4.53 |
San Diego ranks top 10 in team ERA (3.63), while Pittsburgh has struggled offensively, ranking 29th in MLB in runs per game (3.2).
Key Players to Watch
San Diego Padres
- Fernando Tatis Jr. (OF) – 13 HR, 28 RBI, hitting .275, riding a six-game hitting streak.
- Manny Machado (INF) – 6 HR, 25 RBI, hitting .313, providing middle-of-the-order power.
- Luis Arraez (INF) – .290 AVG, 9 doubles, 3 triples, providing consistent production.
Pittsburgh Pirates
- Oneil Cruz (SS) – 12 HR, 26 RBI, slugging .560, ranking top 15 in NL home runs.
- Bryan Reynolds (OF) – 7 HR, 31 RBI, hitting .222, looking to spark Pittsburgh’s offense.
- Isiah Kiner-Falefa (INF) – .297 AVG, 8 doubles, providing veteran leadership.
Matchup Breakdown
- Padres’ Power vs. Pirates’ Pitching – San Diego ranks 21st in home runs, while Pittsburgh’s pitching staff has been inconsistent.
- Pirates’ Contact Hitting vs. Padres’ Defense – Pittsburgh has a low batting average (.226) but has out-hit opponents in 13 of their 21 wins.
- Bullpen Battle – The Padres’ bullpen ranks top 10 in ERA (3.44), while the Pirates’ relievers have struggled (4.53 ERA).
Game Odds
Pittsburgh Pirates 7.5
San Diego Padres – 198
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, May 29, 2025
