Pittsburgh Pirates vs Chicago White Sox Picks and Predictions July 20th 2025

Pittsburgh Pirates vs Chicago White Sox July 20th 2025

The Chicago White Sox will visit the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on Sunday, July 20, 2025. The game is set for an afternoon start at 1:35 PM. Fans can catch the action on SN PT as the two teams meet under a warm day with a light breeze and light rain expected.

The White Sox, managed by Will Venable, have had a tough season with a record of 34-65. They will rely on Aaron Civale, who has a 5.30 ERA, to start on the mound. Meanwhile, the Pirates, led by Don Kelly, hold a record of 39-60. Andrew Heaney, with a 4.59 ERA, will be their starting pitcher. The Pirates have performed better at home, boasting a 26-23 record at PNC Park.

White Sox vs Pirates Key Information

• Sport: Baseball
• Teams: Chicago White Sox vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
• Venue: PNC Park in Pittsburgh, PA
• Date: Sunday, July 20, 2025
• Betting Odds: White Sox +121, Pirates -143

The White Sox Can Win If…

The Chicago White Sox are coming off a strong performance against the Pittsburgh Pirates, winning 10-4. Lenyn Sosa went 3 for 3 with 3 RBIs, while Luis Robert Jr. scored 3 runs. The team collected 13 hits, showing their ability to generate offense without hitting any home runs.

The White Sox have been effective with extra-base hits, ranking 12th in doubles this season. Their ability to get on base is evident with a .295 on-base percentage, ranked 19th. They also show patience at the plate, ranking 10th in walks.

On the mound, Aaron Civale will start with a 5.30 ERA. Despite his record, the team can rely on their bullpen to support him. The White Sox have a solid defense, limiting opponents to a .251 batting average against, ranked 15th in the league.

The Pirates Can Win If…

The Pittsburgh Pirates are looking to bounce back after their recent 4-10 loss against the Chicago White Sox. Despite the loss, the Pirates had a strong offensive showing with 13 hits. Nick Gonzales led the way with three hits, while Bryan Reynolds also contributed three hits.

One reason the Pirates can win is their solid pitching. Andrew Heaney will start, and he holds a 4.59 ERA with a WHIP of 1.25. The Pirates’ pitching staff ranks 6th in the league for batting average against, holding opponents to a .236 average.

The Pirates have a chance to capitalize on the White Sox’s starter, Aaron Civale, who has a 5.30 ERA. The Pirates’ lineup features Andrew McCutchen and Bryan Reynolds, both capable of driving in runs. Their ability to get on base and score will be key in turning their fortunes around.

White Sox Seek First Series Sweep of 2025 in Pittsburgh Finale

The Chicago White Sox may be buried in the standings, but they’re making noise to start the second half of the season. Now, with a chance to sweep a series for the first time in 2025, they’ll turn to Aaron Civale on Sunday to finish the job against the host Pittsburgh Pirates.

After opening the series with back-to-back 10-run performances, the White Sox are playing with renewed purpose, even amid adversity.

Chicago’s Rotation Hit by Injury, Civale Steps In

Chicago’s pitching depth took a blow this week as All-Star rookie Shane Smith landed on the 15-day injured list with a left ankle sprain. The right-hander had emerged as a bright spot in a rebuilding year, but now the Sox must lean more heavily on Civale, who’s still trying to find his footing with his new team.

Civale (1-6, 5.30 ERA) has yet to register a win since being acquired from Milwaukee on June 13. He’s posted a 5.58 ERA across six starts with the White Sox and most recently allowed four runs over 5 2/3 innings in a loss to Cleveland.

Despite the rough stretch, Civale brings experience against Pittsburgh, going 2-2 with a 3.40 ERA in seven career starts against them.

Heaney Gets the Ball for Slumping Pirates

The Pirates counter with veteran lefty Andrew Heaney (4-8, 4.59 ERA), who is searching for consistency himself. He gave up three runs in two innings of relief during a lopsided loss to Minnesota on July 12, and hasn’t completed more than three innings in a start this month.

Still, Heaney owns a 5-1 record and 4.31 ERA in 10 career starts against Chicago. He’ll look to halt a two-game skid and end what has been one of Pittsburgh’s roughest stretches this season — 10 losses in 11 games.

Pirates’ Reliable Bullpen Gets Rocked

For much of 2025, Pittsburgh’s bullpen has been a stabilizing force. But that wasn’t the case this weekend, as the White Sox exploded for 20 runs across the first two games of the series — the first time all season the Pirates have allowed double digits in back-to-back contests.

Manager Don Kelly remains confident in his relief corps, but the timing couldn’t be worse as the Pirates look to halt a nosedive in front of their home crowd.

The Lean

The Pirates are favored on the moneyline at -143, and the White Sox are at +121. The Pirates have a better team ERA and batting average against compared to the White Sox. My model projects the Pirates to win with a score of 5-3, so I recommend taking the Pirates on the moneyline.

The total for the game is set at 9.0, with the over at +100 and the under at -120. Both teams rank low in slugging percentage and home runs. My model projects a combined score of 8 runs, so I recommend betting on the under 9.0 total runs.

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New Faces Contribute for Chicago

With Smith sidelined, the White Sox called up reliever Wikelman Gonzalez from Triple-A Charlotte. They also activated utility man Brooks Baldwin, who appeared in Saturday’s win. Baldwin offers lineup flexibility as Chicago manages injuries and continues integrating its younger talent.

The White Sox, at the bottom of the AL Central, still have little to play for beyond development and pride. But a sweep on the road to open the second half would be a symbolic milestone in their rebuild — and the first sweep of the year.

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