The Atlanta Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates wrap up their three-game weekend series on Sunday afternoon at PNC Park. Read our preview for the Braves vs Pirates game. With the series tied 1-1 after a pair of 3-2 games, both clubs will be desperate to claim the rubber match. First pitch is scheduled for 1:35 PM EST.
Read on for our prediction and check MatchPlug for more expert MLB picks and betting insights.
Betting Preview For Braves VS Pirates
- Venue: PNC Park
- When: Sunday, 12th May 2024
- Time: 1:35 PM EST
- Teams to play: Braves vs Pirates
- Expert Picks: Pirates
Odds provided by 1XBet
Betting On Atlanta Braves
- 1XBet Spread: +1.5
- 1XBet Over/Under: Over 5.5
- 1XBet Moneyline: 6.73
The Braves come into Sunday at 19–20 overall, having won 14 of their last 21 games. While strong at home, they’ve struggled away from Atlanta, posting a 7–14 road record. Saturday’s 3-2 extra-innings win showed their grit, but it also underscored their ongoing inconsistency at the plate, particularly on the road.
Chris Sale takes the mound in this one, and the veteran lefty appears to be rounding into form. He owns a 1.44 ERA over his last three starts and has provided stability at the top of the rotation. Still, Atlanta will need better run support if they hope to give Sale the cushion he needs against a sneaky-competitive Pirates squad.
Betting On Pittsburgh Pirates
- 1XBet Spread: -1.5
- 1XBet Over/Under: Under 5.5
- 1XBet Moneyline: 1.104
Despite their 13–27 record, the Pirates have kept this series tight. Their 3-2 win in the opener and near win on Saturday are proof they can match up with Atlanta when their pitching holds. At home, they sit 8–13, but they’ve been able to contain the Braves’ lineup across two games.
Carmen Mlodzinski will start the finale. He’s had ups and downs this season, often exiting before the fifth inning. However, he’s given up two runs or fewer in three of his last five outings and will aim to pitch to contact and lean on his defense. With players like Oneil Cruz stepping up both offensively and defensively, the Pirates will look to grind out another close contest.
MatchPlug Prediction For Braves vs Pirates
This series has been a low-scoring battle so far, and Sunday figures to be no different. Chris Sale is pitching well, but the Braves are unreliable on the road. Pittsburgh has proven it can keep pace, and they don’t need to win.
With the last two games both finishing 3-2, taking the Pirates +1.5 on the runline presents solid value.
Final Prediction: Pittsburgh Pirates +1.5
