Pirates vs Athletics Betting Trends and Odds

Pittsburgh Pirates vs Oakland Athletics September 19th 2025

The Athletics are set to play against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. The Athletics hold a record of 72-81, placing them 4th in the AL West. They have won 6 of their last 10 games and are coming off a win. Their manager, Mark Kotsay, will look to maintain this momentum.

The Pirates have a record of 65-88, ranking 5th in the NL Central. They have struggled recently, losing their last 4 games and only winning 1 out of their last 10. Don Kelly, the Pirates’ manager, aims to turn things around at home where they have a 42-36 record. The game will feature starting pitchers Luis Severino for the Athletics and Mitch Keller for the Pirates.

Athletics vs Pirates Key Information

Sport: Baseball
Teams: Athletics vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
Venue: PNC Park in Pittsburgh, PA
Date: Friday, September 19, 2025
Betting Odds: Athletics Moneyline -108, Pirates Moneyline -109

The Athletics Can Win If…

The Athletics recently defeated the Boston Red Sox 5-3. J.T. Ginn pitched six solid innings, allowing just two earned runs. Brent Rooker hit a home run, driving in two runs, while Lawrence Butler contributed with two hits and two runs.

The Athletics have a strong batting lineup, ranking 4th in batting average at .255 and 3rd in slugging percentage at .435. They have hit 212 home runs this season, placing them 5th in the league. Their ability to hit for power and get on base makes them a tough team to beat.

Nick Kurtz leads the team with 32 home runs and a .294 batting average. Shea Langeliers and Jacob Wilson also provide offensive support, with Langeliers hitting 30 home runs and Wilson holding a .320 batting average. With their lineup depth, the Athletics have the potential to score runs in bunches against the Pirates.

The Pirates Can Win If…

The Pittsburgh Pirates are looking to bounce back after a tough 8-4 loss against the Chicago Cubs. In that game, Joey Bart stood out with a home run and three RBIs. Andrew McCutchen and Rafael Flores also contributed with key hits, showing the potential of the Pirates’ lineup.

The Pirates have a solid chance to win with Mitch Keller on the mound. Keller holds a respectable ERA of 4.13 and a WHIP of 1.25. His ability to limit walks and keep runners off base gives the Pirates a strong foundation for success in this game.

Offensively, the Pirates can capitalize on their ability to draw walks, ranking 9th in the league. This patience at the plate can create scoring opportunities. With players like Andrew McCutchen and Spencer Horwitz leading the charge, the Pirates have the tools to put up runs and secure a win.

Latest Betting Trends

The Pirates are 2-5 in Mitch Keller’s last seven starts, and he has struggled historically against the Athletics with an 0-2 record and a 6.97 ERA.
Oakland has won back-to-back series against playoff contenders (Boston and Cincinnati), showing late-season fight despite being out of the race.
The Athletics are one of the most powerful lineups in MLB, with three hitters over 30 home runs, often pushing totals higher.
Luis Severino has a 3-1 career record against Pittsburgh, giving Oakland an edge in the pitching matchup.
The over has cashed in several recent games for both clubs, aligning with Oakland’s power surge and Pittsburgh’s bullpen exposure.

The Lean

The Pirates are slightly favored with a moneyline of -109, compared to the Athletics at -108. The Pirates have a better team ERA and batting average against, which gives them an edge. My model projects the Pirates to win 5-4, so taking the Pirates on the moneyline is the pick.

The total for the game is set at 8.5 runs. The Athletics have a higher slugging percentage, but their pitching has struggled with a 4.73 ERA. My model projects a total of 9 runs, suggesting the over is the better choice. The Athletics’ pitching struggles could lead to more runs scored in the game.

Pirates Evaluate Youth as Season Winds Down

The Pittsburgh Pirates are closing out another disappointing season but are using the final stretch to give younger players valuable playing time. One of the most intriguing storylines is Rafael Flores, a first baseman acquired from the New York Yankees in the July 31 trade for pitcher David Bednar.

Flores debuted with the Pirates this week, going 1-for-3 with a walk in a loss to the Chicago Cubs. His journey has been unconventional, from playing at Rio Hondo College to the Alaska Baseball League before signing with the Yankees in 2022. Baseball America named him the Yankees’ Minor League Player of the Year in 2024, and he continued to impress at Triple-A Indianapolis, hitting .281 with an .822 OPS and six home runs in 36 games.

Pittsburgh will start right-hander Mitch Keller in the series opener. Keller (6-14, 4.13 ERA) has shown flashes of consistency, allowing two runs over 5 1/3 innings in his last start. However, he has historically struggled against the Athletics, going 0-2 with a 6.97 ERA in two career outings. Fans tracking Pirates results can stay updated at MLB game results

Athletics Lean on Power to Close Season Strong

The Oakland Athletics, though also out of playoff contention, are ending the season on a stronger note. After winning a series against the Boston Red Sox and sweeping the Cincinnati Reds, they look to continue building momentum in Pittsburgh.

Luis Severino will take the mound for the A’s. The veteran right-hander is 6-11 with a 4.82 ERA and has been inconsistent this month. Still, he has a strong career track record against the Pirates, going 3-1 with a 3.13 ERA in four starts.

The biggest strength for Oakland has been its home run power. Brent Rooker, Nick Kurtz, and Shea Langeliers all reached the 30-homer mark, making the Athletics just the second MLB team to feature three players with at least 30 in a single season. Kurtz’s 493-foot blast last weekend was the longest homer in MLB since 2023. For more insights into upcoming matchups, check out the latest MLB previews

Betting Trends to Watch

The Pirates have struggled in games started by Mitch Keller against the A’s, making Oakland a potential value pick.

Oakland has won recent series against playoff-contending teams, showing they are still competing hard.

With the A’s power bats and Keller’s short outings, totals bettors may look toward the over.

Severino’s prior success against Pittsburgh could also tilt action toward the Athletics.

For expert analysis and wagering insights, explore the MLB betting guide and the full range of MLB picks

Where to Find More Action

Sports bettors can access premium insights with buy picks and track the industry’s sharpest minds on the handicappers leaderboard. Whether you’re following the Pirates’ young prospects or the A’s powerful bats, there are plenty of opportunities for late-season betting value.

Pittsburgh Pirates vs Oakland Athletics Picks and Predictions September 19th 2025