The San Diego Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates are set to face off in the first game of a three-game series on May 2, 2025, at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET, with the game broadcast live on Apple TV+.
Starting Pitchers
San Diego Padres – Dylan Cease (1-2, 5.76 ERA, 36 K)
Cease has struggled with consistency this season, allowing 19 earned runs in 29.2 innings. He has a 2.31 ERA in three career starts against Pittsburgh, but his control issues have been a concern.
Pittsburgh Pirates – Mitch Keller (1-2, 3.97 ERA, 26 K)
Keller has been solid but has yet to pick up a win since his season-opening victory against Miami. He allowed three runs (two earned) over six innings in his last start against the Dodgers.
Team Form and Key Players
San Diego Padres
San Diego is coming off a two-game sweep of the San Francisco Giants, bouncing back from a four-game losing streak. The Padres have been dominant at home (14-4) but are 5-7 on the road.
Key Players:
- Fernando Tatis Jr. – Leads the team with eight home runs and 18 RBIs.
- Luis Arraez – Batting .345, providing consistency at the plate.
- Manny Machado – Hitting .279 with 10 doubles and two home runs.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh has struggled offensively, ranking 28th in MLB in home runs (24) and slugging percentage (.339). They have lost six of their last ten games and are looking to turn things around at home.
Key Players:
- Oneil Cruz – Leads the Pirates with eight home runs and 17 RBIs.
- Ke’Bryan Hayes – Batting .308 over his last ten games.
- Bryan Reynolds – Recently broke out of an 0-for-18 slump, homering in his last game.
Key Matchups and Strategies
- Cease vs. Pirates’ Offense – Pittsburgh ranks 20th in MLB in total hits, making Cease’s control issues a potential factor.
- Keller vs. Padres’ Power Hitters – San Diego ranks 13th in slugging percentage (.391), meaning Keller must limit extra-base hits.
- Bullpen Battle – Both teams have had inconsistent relief pitching, making late-game execution crucial.
- Home vs. Away Performance – Pittsburgh has been better at home (7-9), while San Diego has struggled on the road.
Game Odds
San Diego Padres – 155
Pittsburg Pirates 8
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, May 1, 2025
