Pittsburgh Pirates vs Oakland Athletics Picks and Predictions September 20th 2025

Athletics vs Pirates Picks and Predictions — September 20, 2025

The Oakland Athletics continue their September surge when they face the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on Saturday, September 20, 2025. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 PM under warm skies with broken clouds. Oakland (73-81) has gone 7-3 in its last 10 and carries a two-game winning streak, while Pittsburgh (65-89) has dropped five straight and sits just 1-9 in its last 10. Recent MLB scoreboards show the A’s playing spoiler down the stretch, while the Pirates continue to spiral toward the offseason.

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Opening odds list the Athletics at -108 and the Pirates at -109 on the moneyline, with the total set at 8.5 runs.

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The Athletics Can Win If…

The A’s offense remains red hot, powered by Nick Kurtz (33 HRs) and Lawrence Butler, who hit a decisive three-run homer in Friday’s opener. Oakland is the only team in MLB with three players at 30+ homers (Kurtz, Brent Rooker, Shea Langeliers), and that kind of consistent power makes them dangerous against even high-velocity arms.

Luis Morales (4-1, 3.08 ERA) gets the ball, and his confidence is growing. After a shaky start in his last outing, he blanked Cincinnati for three innings to preserve the lead. With Oakland ranking 3rd in slugging (.435) and Morales holding a 1.10 WHIP, they’re well-positioned to notch another win.

“We have an offense that’s capable of putting up runs,” manager Mark Kotsay said. “We do a great job of attacking pitches, especially fastballs.”

The Pirates Can Win If…

Pittsburgh turns to rookie Bubba Chandler (2-1, 5.66 ERA), who nearly threw a perfect game into the sixth inning in his last outing. His fastball regularly touches triple digits, and if he can command it, the Pirates could neutralize Oakland’s power bats.

Despite a 1-9 skid, the Pirates’ staff still ranks 12th in ERA (3.88) and 8th in batting average against (.237). Offensively, they’ll look to Bryan Reynolds and veteran Andrew McCutchen to spark production.

“We see the competitor that he is and how he gets after it,” manager Don Kelly said of Chandler. “He’s always showing up the same guy, intense and ready to go.”

Key MLB Betting Trends

The Lean

Model Projection: Athletics 5, Pirates 4
Pick: Athletics Moneyline (-108)
Total Lean: Over 8.5

Oakland’s power bats are in form, and Morales has the steadier track record compared to Chandler. With Pittsburgh reeling and the A’s lineup stacking homers, the Athletics look like the better side in a tight contest.

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