The San Diego Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates are set to face off in a National League matchup on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Padres enter the game with a 20-11 record, while the Pirates sit at 12-21, looking to snap a two-game losing streak and gain momentum at home.
Game Details
- Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
- Location: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
- Start Time: 4:05 p.m. ET
- TV Broadcast: SportsNet PT (San Diego), AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh
- Radio: KWFN 97.3 (Padres), KDKA 93.7 (Pirates)
Team Breakdown
San Diego Padres (20-11, 2nd in NL West)
The Padres have been solid on the road, posting a 6-7 record away from home. Their offense ranks 10th in MLB in slugging percentage (.395), with Manny Machado leading the team with 10 doubles, two home runs, and 13 RBIs. Luis Arraez has also been a key contributor, going 14-for-33 with two doubles, a triple, and two home runs over the past 10 games.
Key Strengths:
- Balanced Offense – San Diego ranks third in MLB in batting average (.259).
- Strong Pitching Rotation – Padres pitchers have a combined 3.17 ERA, ranking among the best in the league.
- Defensive Efficiency – San Diego has been effective at limiting errors, keeping opponents from capitalizing on mistakes.
Key Weaknesses:
- Road Struggles – The Padres have a 6-7 record away from home, showing inconsistency in hostile environments.
- Power Concerns – San Diego ranks 21st in MLB in home runs (27), relying more on contact hitting than slugging.
Pittsburgh Pirates (12-21, 5th in NL Central)
The Pirates have had an up-and-down season, but their offense remains a bright spot. Andrew McCutchen has been a standout performer, hitting .264 with six doubles, three home runs, and 12 RBIs. Oneil Cruz has also contributed, recording three doubles and three home runs in his last 10 games.
Key Strengths:
- Home Field Advantage – Pittsburgh has a 7-10 record at PNC Park, making them more competitive at home.
- Aggressive Baserunning – The Pirates rely on speed and contact hitting to manufacture runs.
- Resilient Lineup – Pittsburgh has bounced back from tough losses, showing fight in close games.
Key Weaknesses:
- Struggles Against San Diego – The Padres have won three straight games, putting Pittsburgh in a tough position.
- Pitching Inconsistencies – The Pirates have a 4.35 team ERA, ranking 22nd in MLB.
Starting Pitchers
San Diego Padres – Randy Vásquez (1-3, 4.28 ERA, 10 K)
Vásquez has had mixed results this season, posting a 4.28 ERA in 27 1/3 innings. In his last start against Tampa Bay, he allowed three earned runs over 4 2/3 innings.
Pittsburgh Pirates – Bailey Falter (1-3, 4.89 ERA, 27 K)
Falter has been solid at home, pitching seven scoreless innings in his last start at PNC Park. He’ll need to replicate that performance to give Pittsburgh a chance.
Game Prediction & Key Matchups
Key Matchups:
- Machado vs. Falter – Machado has been one of the Padres’ top hitters, and Falter will need to keep him in check.
- McCutchen vs. Vásquez – McCutchen leads Pittsburgh’s offense and will look to capitalize on Vásquez’s struggles.
- Bullpen Battle – San Diego’s bullpen ranks among the best in MLB, while Pittsburgh has struggled with late-game pitching.
Game Odds
San Diego Padres 9
Pittsburgh Pirates – 110
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 2, 2025
