Pittsburgh Pirates vs Los Angeles Dodgers Picks and Predictions September 2nd 2025

Pittsburgh Pirates vs Los Angeles Dodgers September 2nd 2025

The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to play the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. The game will start at 6:40 PM under the lights, with a warm day and calm winds forecasted. The Dodgers, led by manager Dave Roberts, hold a record of 78-59 and sit at the top of the NL West division.

The Pirates, managed by Don Kelly, have a record of 61-77 and are ranked fifth in the NL Central. Despite their lower division rank, the Pirates have been strong at home with a 39-30 record. The starting pitchers for the game are Clayton Kershaw for the Dodgers and Carmen Mlodzinski for the Pirates. Kershaw has a 3.06 ERA, while Mlodzinski has a 3.86 ERA.

Dodgers vs Pirates Key Information

• Sport: Baseball
• Teams: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
• Venue: PNC Park in Pittsburgh, PA
• Date: Tuesday, September 2, 2025
• Betting Odds: Dodgers Moneyline -180, Pirates Moneyline +152, Dodgers Runline -1.5 (-108), Pirates Runline +1.5 (-112), Total Over 8.5 (-105), Total Under 8.5 (-115)

The Dodgers Can Win If…

The Los Angeles Dodgers are coming off a tight 5-4 win against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Yoshinobu Yamamoto was impressive, pitching seven innings with ten strikeouts. Will Smith and Freddie Freeman also contributed key hits, with Smith knocking a home run.

The Dodgers have strong stats this season, ranking second in slugging percentage and home runs. Their batting average ranks sixth, while their on-base percentage is third. With such strong offensive numbers, they have the potential to outscore opponents.

Shohei Ohtani leads the Dodgers with 45 home runs and 124 runs scored. Clayton Kershaw, with a 3.06 ERA, will start against the Pirates. His reliable performance on the mound could help secure a win for the Dodgers.

The Pirates Can Win If…

The Pittsburgh Pirates head into their next game with confidence, despite a recent 5-2 loss to the Boston Red Sox. In that game, Mitch Keller pitched five innings, giving up no earned runs and striking out seven. Alexander Canario was a standout hitter, going 2-for-4 with a home run and an RBI.

The Pirates have shown strong pitching this season, with a team ERA of 3.88, ranking 11th in the league. Their pitching staff has also limited opponents to a .236 batting average, ranking 7th. This solid pitching foundation gives the Pirates a good chance to control the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

On the offensive side, the Pirates have players like Andrew McCutchen, who leads the team with 12 home runs. Nick Gonzales is another key player, boasting a .279 batting average. With these players in the lineup, the Pirates have the potential to generate runs and support their pitching staff effectively.

The Lean

The Dodgers are favored with a moneyline of -180 against the Pirates at +152. The Dodgers have a strong hitting lineup, ranking 2nd in slugging percentage and home runs. The Pirates’ hitting ranks lower, with a 24th place in slugging percentage. My model projects the Dodgers to win with a score of 5 to 3.

The total for the game is set at 8.5. The Dodgers’ strong offensive stats suggest they can score well, while the Pirates’ pitching has a decent ERA of 3.88. Considering these factors, my model projects a total score of 8. I recommend taking the under at 8.5 (-115).

Kershaw Embracing Late-Season Momentum Ahead of Pirates Clash

The stretch run is heating up, and Clayton Kershaw looks ready to lead. The Los Angeles Dodgers send the veteran left-hander to the mound Tuesday night to open a three-game road series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Kershaw continues to impress post-surgery, sporting a 9-2 record and 3.06 ERA through 17 starts in 2025. His August numbers (5-0, 1.88 ERA) signal he’s peaking at the right time.

Dodgers Riding Momentum Into Pittsburgh

L.A. arrives in Steel City on the heels of a thrilling 5-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks — courtesy of Will Smith’s clutch pinch-hit walk-off homer, his fourth career game-ending blast.

That victory not only avoided a sweep but also preserved the Dodgers’ standing in the ultra-competitive National League, with Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers lurking in the race.

Kershaw will work on six days’ rest this time, after allowing just one run over five innings in a win against the Cincinnati Reds last Tuesday.

Efficiency Over Velocity

Though he’s surpassed 90 pitches in only three starts, Kershaw’s ability to keep hitters guessing remains elite.

Clayton Kershaw 2025 Performance Summary

Youth Movement in Pittsburgh

While the Dodgers eye postseason dominance, the Pirates are clearly building for the future. Recent roster shifts, like waiving Isiah Kiner-Falefa, have opened the door for top prospects.

Bubba Chandler and Cam Devanney Join the Mix

Pitching prospect Bubba Chandler has joined the rotation, while infielder Cam Devanney made his MLB debut Sunday at third base during a loss to the Boston Red Sox.

Mlodzinski to Start Game 1

Right-hander Carmen Mlodzinski (3-7, 3.86 ERA) gets the ball Tuesday for his third start since August 17. In his last outing, he gave up just one run over three innings in a win against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Carmen Mlodzinski Recent Appearances

While this marks his first start vs. the Dodgers, Mlodzinski has tossed three shutout innings in relief against them previously.

What’s at Stake?

Kershaw vs. Time — And the Postseason

Kershaw’s late-career dominance is a fascinating subplot as the Dodgers navigate the final stretch, neck and neck with teams like the Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres for playoff seeding.

Pirates Building for 2026

With call-ups and rotation experiments, Pittsburgh’s final month is less about the standings and more about long-term evaluation — similar to the approaches taken by teams like the Oakland Athletics and Detroit Tigers.