The Athletics vs Pittsburgh Pirates Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 09/21/25

While not a game I am rushing to bet on Sunday afternoon, I do lean toward a win for the Pittsburgh Pirates as they host the Athletics. Both games to start this series have been close fought low-scoring affairs, with each team grabbing a win so far. I expect more of the same in Game 3 Sunday, as neither offense is in a groove currently. The Athletics are more vulnerable at the plate when away from their hitter-friendly home park, and the Pirates have a league best 18 shutouts as a pitching staff after yesterday’s game. Mike Burrows is not my favorite Pirates option given his short leash, but he is my preferred starter in this matchup.

Mitch Spence is the scheduled starter for the Athletics in this matchup. Spence has 78.1 innings under his belt this season, starting in 7 of his first 30 appearances. He is a relatively low strikeout arm that pitches to contact, and his ERA of 4.48 is pretty close to his 4.58 mark from last season in 151.1 innings. Spence draws a matchup on the road away from his tough park against a lousy Pirates offense, but I am still not a fan of backing him in this spot.

Pirates vs Athletics prediction: Pittsburgh ML (-115) available at time of publishing. Playable at that price.

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