Atlanta Braves vs Pittsburgh Pirates Picks and Predictions September 27th 2025

Atlanta Braves vs Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Preview

The Atlanta Braves get their first look at Pirates rookie Bubba Chandler on Saturday at Truist Park. The Braves (75-85) dropped the opener 9-3, putting them at risk of losing their first season series to Pittsburgh since 2017. The Pirates (70-90), meanwhile, have won five of their last six behind a mix of power hitting and improved pitching.

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Line Movement and Odds

• Moneyline: Pirates +142 | Braves -168
• Total (O/U 8.0 runs): Over -110 | Under -110

The Braves opened as favorites with Strider on the mound, but sharp money has trickled in on Pittsburgh after Chandler’s electric outing last weekend.

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Matchup Breakdown

Pirates Outlook

Pittsburgh’s offense exploded Friday behind Spencer Horwitz, who went 3-for-3 with two homers and four RBIs. Horwitz has tortured Braves pitching in his career, going 9-for-11 with five homers in just four games. Bryan Reynolds and Tommy Pham continue to provide veteran presence, while rookie Chandler brings velocity that few Braves hitters have faced.

Chandler has allowed only one run across his last two starts, including five shutout innings vs. Oakland in his most recent appearance. His ability to locate sliders and changeups off the heater makes him unpredictable, but pitch count could be a factor in his sixth career MLB start.

Braves Outlook

Atlanta was handled easily Friday despite a three-hit game from Ronald Acuña Jr. and a homer from Michael Harris II. Rookie catcher Drake Baldwin is riding a nine-game hitting streak as he pushes for NL Rookie of the Year, providing a spark in an otherwise quiet September.

Spencer Strider gets the ball, and while his season ERA sits at 4.45, he’s trending in the right direction. Over his last five starts, Strider has a 2.10 ERA, including five scoreless innings last week against Detroit. His strikeout rate has dipped since surgery, but his command and sequencing are improving at the right time.

Key Battle

Chandler’s velocity vs. Atlanta’s patient hitters. If Braves bats can work deep counts and push Chandler out early, their offense should rebound. Otherwise, Pittsburgh could seize control with another hot start.

Injuries and Conditions

Weather: Hot with light rain and calm crosswinds. If storms hold off, conditions should favor hitters.

Best Bets and Prediction

Atlanta has the edge with Strider’s recent form and home-field advantage, but Chandler’s fastball makes Pittsburgh a live dog. Expect both pitchers to keep it relatively tight early before bullpens decide it.

• Pick: Braves ML -168
• Projected Score: Braves 5, Pirates 3
• Total Lean: Under 8.0 (-110)

Handicappers and Picks

Late-season MLB often comes down to which side has more motivation. Atlanta is fighting to avoid dropping a season series to Pittsburgh for the first time since 2017, while the Pirates are finishing strong with their young arms.

To see which side sharps are backing, visit the Leaderboard. For premium plays, the Service Plays section delivers fully documented picks from experts tracking late-season trends. If you’re looking for daily advice without the price tag, our MLB Picks page has free leans on moneylines, runlines, and totals.

The Bettors Handbook is another tool worth checking, with insights on how to bet matchups where one team has little to play for beyond pride.

Bet smarter down the stretch — SAS keeps you ahead of the market.