Pittsburgh Pirates vs Colorado Rockies Picks and Predictions August 23rd 2025

Pittsburgh Pirates vs Colorado Rockies August 23rd 2025

The Colorado Rockies will visit the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park for a night game on Saturday, August 23, 2025. The Rockies hold a record of 37-92 and are last in the NL West. They are on a two-game losing streak, but have won six of their last ten games.

The Pirates come into this game with a record of 55-74, also sitting in last place in their division, the NL Central. They are currently on a two-game winning streak, though they have struggled in their last ten games with only four wins. The game will feature starting pitchers Kyle Freeland for the Rockies and Mike Burrows for the Pirates. The weather forecast predicts a very hot day with a light breeze and a few clouds. Fans can watch the game on SN PT.

Rockies vs Pirates Key Information

• Sport: Baseball
• Teams: Colorado Rockies vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
• Venue: PNC Park in Pittsburgh, PA
• Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
• Betting Odds: Rockies Moneyline +142, Pirates Moneyline -168, Rockies Runline +1.5 (-152), Pirates Runline -1.5 (+128), Total Over 8.5 (-105), Total Under 8.5 (-115)

The Rockies Can Win If…

The Colorado Rockies are looking to bounce back after a tough 9-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. In that game, the Rockies struggled offensively, managing only three hits. However, they have shown their potential in previous games, like their 8-3 win against the Los Angeles Dodgers on August 20th, where they collected 16 hits.

One of the Rockies’ strengths is their ability to hit doubles, ranking 8th in the league with 210. Players like Hunter Goodman, who leads the team with 25 home runs, can deliver key hits. The Rockies’ lineup includes several players with solid batting averages, such as Warming Bernabel at .308 and Tyler Freeman at .292, which could help them score runs.

On the mound, Kyle Freeland will start for the Rockies. Despite his record, he has the ability to keep the game close. With support from the lineup, the Rockies have a chance to win if they capitalize on scoring opportunities and Freeland delivers a strong performance.

The Pirates Can Win If…

The Pittsburgh Pirates are coming off a strong win against the Colorado Rockies, securing a 9-0 victory. Braxton Ashcraft pitched five solid innings, allowing just one hit and no runs. Key players like Tommy Pham and Spencer Horwitz contributed with home runs, boosting the team’s morale.

The Pirates’ lineup has shown potential with consistent performances from players like Andrew McCutchen and Bryan Reynolds. The team ranks 12th in stolen bases, which can be an advantage on the base paths. Their pitching staff holds a respectable ERA of 3.99, placing them in the middle of the league.

Mike Burrows will start for the Pirates, bringing an ERA of 4.46 to the mound. With the Rockies’ starter Kyle Freeland struggling this season, the Pirates have a chance to capitalize. The Pirates’ recent form and balanced lineup give them a solid opportunity to win again.

The Lean

The Pirates are favored with a moneyline of -168 against the Rockies. The Pirates have a better pitching staff with a 3.99 ERA, ranked 15th, compared to the Rockies’ 6.05 ERA, ranked last. My model projects a Pirates win with a score of 5-3. Thus, the recommendation is to pick the Pirates to win straight up.

The total for the game is set at 8.5 runs. The Rockies’ pitching struggles, with a high ERA, suggest runs will be scored. However, the Pirates’ pitching is solid, and both teams rank low in slugging. My model projects a total of 8 runs, so the recommendation is to take the under at 8.5.

Score a Homerun!

With our Premium Handicapping Membership

Get Free Trial

Pittsburgh Turns to Mike Burrows

The Pittsburgh Pirates continue their youth movement on the mound Saturday as rookie right-hander Mike Burrows takes the ball against the Colorado Rockies. Burrows (1-4, 4.46 ERA) will aim to help Pittsburgh secure its fourth win in five games and a winning record on their six-game homestand.

Burrows has not collected a victory since June 4, but his most recent outing showed progress. He worked five innings in Chicago, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out four. Interim manager Don Kelly praised the young pitcher for escaping a bases-loaded jam, noting that these experiences are critical for his development. Fans can follow more matchup insights with the latest MLB previews

Rookie Momentum in Pittsburgh

The Pirates’ confidence in their farm system was on full display Friday night. Fellow rookies Braxton Ashcraft and Bubba Chandler combined to limit Colorado to three hits in a 9-0 victory. Chandler, one of baseball’s top pitching prospects, made history by recording a scoreless four-inning save in his MLB debut—the first ever by a Pirates pitcher.

With Burrows next in line, Pittsburgh is showcasing a wave of young arms that could shape the team’s future. Bettors tracking these developments can stay updated with expert MLB picks

Kyle Freeland Brings Veteran Experience

The Rockies counter with left-hander Kyle Freeland (3-12, 5.16 ERA), a veteran in his ninth season. While his overall numbers have been rough, Freeland has shown signs of improvement. He tossed 7 1/3 scoreless innings against the Cardinals earlier this month, and despite dealing with a blood blister, he held the Dodgers to two runs across four innings in his last start.

Freeland has historically struggled at PNC Park, going 0-3 with a 5.40 ERA in five starts. His challenge will be navigating a Pirates lineup led by Andrew McCutchen and Tommy Pham, both of whom have had success against him. Handicappers watching Freeland’s trends often look for value plays, which you can compare with the leaderboard of top handicappers

McCutchen and Pham Lead the Charge

Veteran bats delivered the punch in Friday’s win. McCutchen and Pham combined to go 4-for-7 with six RBIs. Pham launched a two-run homer and added a double, while McCutchen drove in four with two timely doubles.

Their track record against Freeland suggests another opportunity for production, making them players to watch. For bettors considering player props and sides, the expert MLB betting guide is a strong resource.

Rockies Rookie Ryan Ritter Extends Streak

Despite the loss, Colorado rookie second baseman Ryan Ritter extended his hitting streak to nine games, batting .323 over that stretch. The Rockies have dropped three of four overall, but they have also won seven of their last 11, showing flashes of competitiveness.

Monitoring young hitters like Ritter is key when evaluating long-term betting opportunities. For fans interested in building tickets around these trends, premium analysis is available through buy picks

What to Expect Saturday Night

Pittsburgh’s reliance on rookies has created energy and unpredictability, while Freeland’s recent bounce-back efforts add intrigue to the matchup. The Pirates’ combination of emerging arms and experienced bats gives them a slight edge, but Colorado’s resilience can’t be overlooked.

For bettors tracking outcomes and performances, check the latest MLB game results