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The Chicago White Sox will visit the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on Friday, July 18, 2025. The game is set to start at 6:40 PM and will be broadcast on CHSN. Weather conditions forecast a mild evening with light rain and a calm crosswind.
The White Sox, managed by Will Venable, hold a season record of 32-65. They have struggled on the road with an 11-36 record. The Pirates, led by Don Kelly, have a 39-58 record and perform better at home, boasting a 26-21 record. Starting on the mound for the White Sox is Jonathan Cannon, while Bailey Falter will pitch for the Pirates.
White Sox vs Pirates Key Information
- Sport: Baseball
- Teams: Chicago White Sox vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
- Venue: PNC Park in Pittsburgh, PA
- Date: Friday, July 18, 2025
- Betting Odds: White Sox Moneyline +136, Pirates Moneyline -161, White Sox Runline +1.5 (-157), Pirates Runline -1.5 (+132), Total Over 8.5 (-117), Total Under 8.5 (-103)
The White Sox Can Win If…
The Chicago White Sox are looking to bounce back after a close 6-5 loss to the Cleveland Guardians. In that game, Andrew Benintendi went 3 for 3 with a home run, and Austin Slater contributed with a two-run homer. Despite the loss, the White Sox showed their ability to generate runs with nine hits, six of which were extra-base hits.
The White Sox have some strengths that could lead them to victory. They rank 15th in doubles with 146, which can help them put runners in scoring position. Their pitching staff has given up 106 home runs, ranking 12th, showing they can limit long balls from opponents.
Jonathan Cannon will take the mound with a chance to improve his 3-7 record. The White Sox lineup includes hitters like Lenyn Sosa, who has a .267 average and nine home runs. With players like Miguel Vargas and Andrew Benintendi in the lineup, the White Sox have the potential to put runs on the board and secure a win.
The Pirates Can Win If…
The Pittsburgh Pirates recently secured a win against the Minnesota Twins, 2-1. Mitch Keller pitched six strong innings, allowing only one run and striking out three. Isiah Kiner-Falefa was perfect at the plate, going 4-for-4, while Tommy Pham hit a solo home run.
The Pirates’ pitching has been solid this season, with a team ERA of 3.73, ranking 8th in the league. Their ability to limit opponents’ batting average to .234 is also impressive, placing them 5th. Bailey Falter, with a 3.79 ERA, will take the mound and look to continue the team’s pitching success.
Offensively, the Pirates have some key players who can make a difference. Andrew McCutchen leads the team with 8 home runs and 31 RBIs. Isiah Kiner-Falefa has been consistent with a .274 batting average, providing reliability in the lineup.
The Lean
The model recommends picking the Pirates to win on the moneyline at -161. The Pirates have a better pitching staff with an ERA of 3.73, ranked 8th, compared to the White Sox’s ERA of 4.16. The Pirates also have a lower batting average against, making them a stronger choice for this game.
For the over/under, the model suggests taking the under 8.5 at -103. The Pirates’ pitching is ranked higher, and both teams have low slugging percentages, with the White Sox at .344 and the Pirates at .339. The projected score is Pirates 4, White Sox 3, which supports the under pick.
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An Eye on the Future: Rebuilding Pirates and White Sox Clash
With the July 31 trade deadline rapidly approaching, the future is the primary focus for both the Chicago White Sox and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Two rebuilding clubs will get a look at each other’s young talent as the Chicago White Sox visit the Pittsburgh Pirates to open a three-game series on Friday night.
A Focus on 2026
Both teams are projected to be “sellers” at the deadline, and the Pirates have already begun, trading away veteran Adam Frazier. For their front office, the goal is not about this season, but about building a sustainable winner for the future.
“Our focus is going to be: How do we get this thing on track and be better in 2026, win more games in 2026?” said Pirates general manager Ben Cherington. “That’s our focus in all of our decision-making.”
Validating the Vision
The White Sox, who have the second-worst record in baseball, share a similar philosophy. The organization is focused on the development of promising rookies like shortstop Colson Montgomery, even as the team struggles in the standings.
“It’s definitely encouraging, and it validates the vision that we had,” said White Sox GM Chris Getz. “We’ve got a young group up here… They’re playing pretty well.” The biggest question for Chicago is whether they will trade their struggling superstar, Luis Robert Jr., a key topic in our expert betting guide.
A Duel of Young Arms
Friday’s pitching matchup features two young arms that are key to their teams’ futures. The Pirates will start lefty Bailey Falter (6-4, 3.79 ERA), who has been solid but is looking to bounce back after allowing five home runs in his last two starts.
The White Sox will counter with righty Jonathan Cannon (3-7, 4.44 ERA). This duel between two young pitchers trying to establish themselves will be a key focus on the scores and odds board.
For two MLB teams in a rebuild, these games are about finding the pieces that will be part of their next contender. To see who our experts are backing, check out our daily MLB picks.
