First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 PM ET, with live coverage on AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, Bally Sports Southwest, and MLB.TV.
This is the second game of a three-game weekend series, with Texas taking the opener 6–2 behind 13 hits and a strong bullpen effort. The Rangers have now won seven of their last nine meetings against the Pirates and are trending upward in the AL West. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, has dropped five of its last six and continues to struggle with run production.
Texas Rangers: Rocker Looks to Build on Breakout Start
Record: 37–39 (3rd in AL West)
Last Game: 6–2 win vs Pirates
Probable Starter: Kumar Rocker (2–4, 7.31 ERA)
Strengths:
- Offensive Depth: 13 hits in Friday’s win, including homers from Adolis García and Corey Seager.
- Bullpen Efficiency: 3.20 team ERA ranks 2nd in MLB.
- Momentum: Winners of 8 of their last 12 games.
Concerns:
- Rocker’s Inconsistency: Despite a scoreless outing vs the White Sox last week, Rocker has a 7.31 ERA and has struggled with command.
Key Players:
- Adolis García: 2-for-4, HR, 2 RBIs on Friday; 18 HRs, 58 RBIs on the season
- Corey Seager: Solo HR in Game 1; .288 AVG, 15 HRs
- Josh Smith: .290 AVG, 7 HRs, 8 SBs
Pittsburgh Pirates: Keller Seeks First Win Since March
Record: 30–47 (5th in NL Central)
Last Game: 2–6 loss vs Rangers
Probable Starter: Mitch Keller (1–9, 4.08 ERA)
Strengths:
- Ke’Bryan Hayes’ Contact Bat: Leads team in hits and doubles.
- Oneil Cruz’s Power-Speed Combo: 13 HRs, 25 SBs, .213 AVG
- Bullpen Usage: Despite Friday’s loss, Pirates relievers have a 3.82 ERA (12th in MLB)
Concerns:
- Keller’s Winless Streak: 0–9 in his last 14 starts despite 10 quality outings.
- Offensive Inconsistency: Averaging just 2.9 runs per game over last 10.
Key Players:
- Oneil Cruz: 13 HRs, 30 RBIs, 25 SBs
- Andrew McCutchen: .266 AVG, 8 HRs, 28 RBIs
- Joey Bart: 2-for-4, RBI in Friday’s game
Head-to-Head & Betting Trends
| Category | Rangers | Pirates |
|---|---|---|
| Team Batting Avg | .252 (11th in MLB) | .232 (26th in MLB) |
| Team ERA | 3.20 (2nd) | 3.82 (12th) |
| Home Runs | 94 (T-6th) | 78 (T-14th) |
| Last 10 Games | 6–4 | 3–7 |
| Season Series | Rangers lead 1–0 | — |
- Rangers are 7–2 in last 9 vs Pirates
- Pirates are 2–12 in Keller’s last 14 starts
- Under 8.5 total runs has hit in 5 of Pirates’ last 7 games
Game Odds
Texas Rangers 8.5
Pittsburgh Pirates – 111
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, June 20, 2025
