Los Angeles Dodgers vs Pittsburgh Pirates Picks and Predictions April 27th 2025

Pirates’ Bailey Falter Continues Homecoming Trip Against Dodgers

Pittsburgh Pirates left-hander Bailey Falter is getting a rare opportunity to pitch in front of family and friends during this week’s Southern California road trip, and he’ll cap it off on Sunday when he takes the mound against the Los Angeles Dodgers. After a gutsy but shortened outing earlier in the week, Falter will look to build some momentum as Pittsburgh chases a series win.

Falter Feeling at Home in SoCal

Falter (1-2, 5.19 ERA), who hails from Chino Hills, Calif., was close to home when he started against the Angels on Tuesday. He delivered a serviceable performance, giving up three runs over four innings before exiting with low back tightness.

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Despite the abbreviated outing, Falter struck out five — matching his season high — and earned a no-decision as the Pirates pulled out a 9-3 win.

The 27-year-old lefty has had limited success against the Dodgers in his career, going 0-1 with a 7.36 ERA across three appearances (two starts). Sunday’s matchup gives him a chance to make a statement against his hometown team.

If you’re watching MLB picks for this matchup, Falter’s back issues and the Pirates’ bullpen reliability will be key factors. Be sure to check out the latest projections and expert betting breakdowns with updated MLB Betting Trends.

Pirates Looking to Bounce Back After Tough Loss

The Pirates, 3-2 so far on their LA-area trip, had a golden opportunity to take control of the series Saturday, but a four-run eighth inning doomed them to an 8-4 loss. Pittsburgh’s pitching had limited the Dodgers to just four runs over the first 16 innings of the series before the bullpen faltered late.

Oneil Cruz continued his strong road trip, blasting his eighth homer of the season — and fourth leading off a game — as he solidifies himself as a permanent fixture atop the Pirates’ lineup.

“Confidence helps for sure, but just to continue to make good swings and put good swings on the ball and just keep working,” Cruz said after his two-hit performance.

“I wasn’t looking for it,” Cruz said about his move to the leadoff spot. “(Manager Derek Shelton) came to me one day and told me that he sees myself as a leadoff hitter, helping the team right away.”

Glasnow Returns to Face His Old Team

The Dodgers will counter with right-hander Tyler Glasnow (1-0, 3.71 ERA), a former Pirate himself, who is coming off a shortened outing last Sunday due to leg cramps. Glasnow has been strong in 2024, allowing two runs or fewer in three of his four starts.

“I don’t know if it was a combination of pickle juice and water or whatever it is, but it didn’t show its head (again) after that one in Toronto,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, hoping the cramps are a one-time issue.

Glasnow has a 2.08 ERA in two career starts against Pittsburgh but has yet to record a win against his former club.

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The Dodgers’ offense finally awoke Saturday, with Teoscar Hernandez delivering a go-ahead home run and Enrique Hernandez adding a clutch three-run pinch-hit homer. Shohei Ohtani, who had been struggling, broke out of his slump with a triple and two doubles, scoring twice.

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“When you make contact, good things happen,” Teoscar Hernandez said after his key homer.

What’s at Stake

The Pirates are looking to close their SoCal trip on a high note and grab a key series win, while the Dodgers aim to continue building momentum after an up-and-down week. With Falter eager to shine in front of family and Glasnow facing his old team, Sunday’s finale is set up for plenty of emotion and intensity.