The Pittsburgh Pirates will visit the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards for an afternoon game on Thursday, September 11, 2025. The Pirates, managed by Don Kelly, are struggling with a 64-82 record and have been on a five-game losing streak. They hold the fifth position in the NL Central and have faced challenges on the road, with a 22-49 away record this season.
Baltimore Orioles, led by interim manager Tony Mansolino, have been on an upswing with a 68-77 record and a two-game winning streak. Currently sitting fifth in the AL East, the Orioles have won eight of their last ten games. Playing at home, they have managed a 35-38 record, showing better form at Oriole Park.
In their previous games against each other, the Orioles have had the upper hand, winning 2-1 and 3-2. The Pirates’ pitching has shown potential with performances like Paul Skenes’ five scoreless innings, but their offense has struggled to produce runs consistently. With the Orioles’ recent form and home advantage, they are favored in this matchup with a moneyline of -148.
Orioles vs Pirates At a Glance
- Game Location: Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, MD, an outdoor venue.
- Records: Pittsburgh Pirates stand at 64-82, while Baltimore Orioles are at 68-77.
- Weather Forecast: The game day will feature mild weather with ‘Broken Clouds’.
- TV Broadcast: Viewers can catch the action on SN PT.
- Odds: Orioles are favored with a moneyline of -148, while Pirates are at +125.
- Division Standings: Both teams rank 5th in their respective divisions, NL Central for the Pirates and AL East for the Orioles.
Orioles Look to Continue Winning Ways Against the Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates Team Overview
The Pittsburgh Pirates enter the game with a focus on improving their overall performance. Currently sitting with a mid-tier batting average of .240, they rank 15th in the league. Despite this, their power numbers have been respectable, hitting 173 home runs, placing them 10th in the league.
The Pirates’ pitching staff has been a concern, with an earned run average (ERA) of 4.61, ranking 25th. They have shown potential with 49 quality starts, which ranks them 13th in the league. However, their ability to close out games has been a struggle, with 19 blown saves ranking them 4th worst.
Key Players to Watch
Johan Oviedo will be on the mound for the Pirates, bringing an impressive ERA of 2.70 and a WHIP of 1.10. With a record of 2-0, Oviedo’s consistency will be crucial for the Pirates to neutralize the Orioles’ offense.
Offensively, the Pirates will rely on their middle-order power hitters. Their ability to hit home runs, having recorded 173 this season, will be essential in putting runs on the board against the Orioles. The Pirates’ lineup is also adept at drawing walks, having secured 419 this season, indicating patience at the plate.
Challenges for the Pirates
One of the main challenges for the Pirates will be dealing with their defensive vulnerabilities, evidenced by their high number of blown saves. Improving late-game execution will be key to turning close games in their favor.
Additionally, the Pirates need to focus on minimizing strikeouts, as they have struck out 1,289 times, ranking 24th in the league. Reducing these numbers will be critical to sustaining offensive pressure against Baltimore.
Pirates’ Betting Trends
- SU Last 3 Games: 1-2 (33.3%)
- Runline as Underdog: 47-35 (57.3%)
- O/U in Away Games: 27-45 (37.5%)
- SU in Away Games: 33-39 (45.8%)
- O/U Totals ≥ 9: 31-46 (40.3%)
Pirates’ Quest for Victory: A Game of Opportunity
Team Overview
The Pittsburgh Pirates, with a season record of 64-82, have faced challenging times, losing five consecutive games while scoring two runs or fewer in each. This performance has resulted in their 29th losing season in the past 33 years. As they prepare for their upcoming game against the Baltimore Orioles, the Pirates are looking to improve their recent performance and find a way to generate more offensive power.
Recent Performance
In their last game against the Orioles, the Pirates struggled offensively, recording only two hits and a single home run by Spencer Horwitz in a 2-1 defeat. The pitching staff, led by Paul Skenes, put up a strong performance with five shutout innings, two hits allowed, and eight strikeouts. However, the Pirates’ inability to capitalize on these efforts has been a recurring theme throughout the season.
Top Players to Watch
Andrew McCutchen, the Pirates’ designated hitter, leads the team with 13 home runs and 53 RBIs. His presence in the lineup is crucial for the Pirates to spark some offense. Spencer Horwitz, who has shown potential with a .257 batting average and eight home runs, is another player to watch as the Pirates seek to turn their fortunes around.
Bryan Reynolds, known for his consistent performance, has been a key player for the Pirates, with a .244 batting average and 15 home runs. Despite his recent 19-game on-base streak ending, Reynolds remains a significant threat in the Pirates’ lineup.
Pitching Matchup
Johan Oviedo will take the mound for the Pirates, sporting an impressive 2.70 ERA and a 2-0 record. Oviedo’s solid performance offers hope for the Pirates’ pitching staff as they attempt to contain the Orioles’ offense. On the opposing side, the Orioles’ Cade Povich has struggled with a 5.16 ERA and a 3-7 record, presenting an opportunity for the Pirates to exploit.
Team Hitting Analysis
The Pirates rank 18th in batting average at .231, with an on-base percentage of .304, placing them 17th in the league. However, their slugging percentage of .349 ranks 22nd, indicating a need for increased power hitting. With only 104 home runs, ranking 24th, the Pirates must find ways to increase their offensive production.
Team Pitching Analysis
On the pitching side, the Pirates have a respectable 3.87 ERA, ranking 12th in the league. Their ability to limit opponents’ batting average to .237, ranking 6th, showcases their potential to keep games close. However, with 138 home runs allowed, ranked 3rd, the pitching staff needs to reduce long-ball damage.
Betting Trends
- SU in Away Games: 22-49 (31.0%)
- Runline in Away Games: 34-37 (47.9%)
- O/U in Away Games: 26-45 (36.6%)
- Runline as Underdog: 60-44 (57.7%)
- O/U After a Loss: 31-50 (38.3%)
Orioles vs Pirates Prediction: Under 8.5
The upcoming game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Pittsburgh Pirates at Oriole Park appears to be a low-scoring affair. Both teams have shown a tendency to participate in games where the total runs scored are under 8.5. In their recent matchups, the teams consistently scored below this line, with final scores of 3-2 and 2-1. Johan Oviedo, the Pirates’ starting pitcher, has been impressive with a 2.70 ERA and a WHIP of 1.10, while Cade Povich of the Orioles holds a higher ERA of 5.16. However, the Pirates’ recent offensive struggles, scoring two runs or fewer in their last five games, indicate that they may continue to find runs hard to come by, even against Povich. Additionally, the Orioles’ last five games have all gone under the total, showcasing their ability to contain opposing offenses and participate in tight, low-scoring contests. Considering these factors, betting on the under 8.5 runs seems like a prudent choice. Projected Final Score: Orioles 3 – Pirates 2.
- Orioles vs Pirates Prediction: Under 8.5
- Orioles vs Pirates Score: Orioles 3 – Pirates 2
