The Pittsburgh Pirates surprised the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night and they’ll look to keep it going at PNC Park.
Coming off a nine-strikeout performance in Detroit last week, my Dodgers vs. Pirates predictions anticipate more of the same from young phenom Paul Skenes tonight.
I explain why Skenes will show no fear against Shohei Ohtani & Co. below in my best MLB picks for Wednesday, June 5.
Dodgers vs Pirates prediction
My best bet
Paul Skenes Over 6.5 strikeouts (-115 at Caesars)
Best odds available in your region
My analysis
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie Paul Skenes tore through the minor leagues this season with 45 strikeouts and eight walks in 27 1/3 innings across seven starts. He allowed just three earned runs in Triple-A and has continued that dominance in the majors.
Last year’s first-overall pick made his MLB debut less than a month ago against the Cubs. He struck out seven batters in four innings in that outing and has racked up 30 Ks across 22 innings (12.27 K/9, 35.7% K rate).
Skenes has registered at least seven strikeouts in three of his four starts, fanning seven, 11, three, and nine batters in those respective outings. That three-strikeout game came against the Giants, who own the 10th-lowest strikeout rate in baseball.
The Los Angeles Dodgers sit right in the middle of the pack in terms of strikeouts per game with 8.24. That goes up ever so slightly on the road to 8.73. Los Angeles struck out eight times last night and 22 times in their previous two road contests in New York.
The Los Angeles offense is also a bit cold, scoring just five runs in its past three games and now has to face off against the electric Skenes.
Skenes is a pitcher whose strikeout prop is going to be routinely set above 6.5 once he settles into the major leagues. Take advantage of this 6.5 number while it lasts at a reasonable vig of -115.
Dodgers vs Pirates same-game parlay (SGP)
Paul Skenes 7+ strikeouts
Pirates moneyline
Under 8.5
Skenes has been electric for the Pirates and the Dodgers aren’t swinging the bats too hot right now. It was a 1-0 win for Pittsburgh on Tuesday night and we could see a similar outcome tonight.
Although the game has gone Over in all four of Skenes’ starts, none of those were his fault. James Paxton has also had more good starts than bad this season, so we could see a good battle between the rookie and the vet.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Dodgers vs Pirates odds
Dodgers vs Pirates live odds
Dodgers vs Pirates opening odds
- Run line: Los Angeles -1.5 (+150) | Pittsburgh +1.5 (-180)
- Moneyline: Los Angeles -110 | Pittsburgh -110
- Over/Under: Over 8 (-110)| Under 8 (-110)
Dodgers vs Pirates spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Pirates ML opened at -110 and the consensus still has them around a pick’em at home.
- The Dodgers odds also opened at -110 and you can get them as low as -108 as of Wednesday afternoon.
- The total opened at a flat 8 at some books. You can get Over 8.5 (-102) or Under 8.5 (-114)
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Dodgers vs Pirates trend
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Dodgers vs Pirates game info
| Location: | PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA |
| Date: | Wednesday, 6-5-2024 |
| First pitch: | 6:40 p.m. ET |
| TV: | SportsNet LA, SportsNet Pittsburgh |
| Dodgers starting pitcher: | James Paxton (5-0, 3.29 ERA) |
| Pirates starting pitcher: | Paul Skenes (2-0, 2.45 ERA) |
Dodgers vs Pirates latest injuries
Dodgers vs Pirates weather
Not intended for use in MA.
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