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Pittsburgh Pirates vs Oakland Athletics September 21st 2025
The Athletics will visit the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on Sunday, September 21, 2025. The Athletics have a record of 73-82 and are fourth in the AL West. They have been strong lately, going 7-3 in their last ten games. Mitch Spence will start for the Athletics, bringing an ERA of 4.48 and a WHIP of 1.33.
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The Pirates hold a record of 66-89 and are fifth in the NL Central. They have struggled recently, with a 2-8 record in their last ten games. Mike Burrows will take the mound for the Pirates, with an ERA of 4.10 and a WHIP of 1.24. The game will be played under mild conditions with a light breeze, and it will be broadcast on NSPCA.
Athletics vs Pirates Key Information
- Sport: Baseball
- Teams: Athletics vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
- Venue: PNC Park in Pittsburgh, PA
- Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025
- Betting Odds: Athletics Moneyline -108, Pirates Moneyline -112
The Athletics Can Win If…
The Oakland Athletics are aiming to bounce back after a 2-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Luis Morales was solid on the mound, working six innings and allowing only two runs while striking out four. However, the offense struggled, recording just one hit from Jacob Wilson.
Oakland has the tools to be dangerous at the plate. Nick Kurtz leads all rookies with 33 home runs, while Shea Langeliers has chipped in with 30. The Athletics also boast a .253 batting average, ranked fifth in the league, and they sit fourth in slugging percentage. If the power bats find their rhythm, they can put pressure on the Pirates.
Mitch Spence will get the start for Oakland. With a 4.48 ERA, he has shown the ability to keep games competitive. Backed by young sluggers, Spence has the support to give the Athletics a chance to take the series.
Early Team Comparison
| Team | Record | Batting Avg | ERA | Home Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletics | 73-82 | .253 (5th) | 4.41 (21st) | 207 |
| Pirates | 66-89 | .239 (20th) | 3.85 (10th) | 164 |
The Pirates Can Win If…
The Pittsburgh Pirates are feeling confident after their 2-0 victory over Oakland. Rookie Bubba Chandler delivered five shutout innings with six strikeouts, while Nick Yorke and Bryan Reynolds each homered to fuel the win.
Pittsburgh’s pitching has been their strength this season. With a 3.85 ERA (10th in MLB) and opponents hitting just .236 against them, the Pirates have shown consistency on the mound. Right-hander Mike Burrows will start in this matchup, bringing a 4.10 ERA. He’s allowed three runs or fewer in six straight starts, proving he can keep games within reach.
On offense, veterans like Andrew McCutchen and Spencer Horwitz remain important. McCutchen continues to provide leadership, while Horwitz has a steady .259 average. If the Pirates can complement their pitching with timely hitting, they could take another win.
The Lean
The Pirates are priced as slight favorites with a moneyline of -112, while the Athletics are at -108. Pittsburgh’s edge on the mound, supported by their stronger ERA and batting average against, gives them the lean. My projection has the Pirates winning 5-4.
The total is set at 8.5 runs. With Oakland ranking high in slugging percentage and Pittsburgh relying on pitching, the balance points toward a higher-scoring game. My model projects nine combined runs, making the over 8.5 (-113) the recommended play.
Recent Form and Head-to-Head
Oakland has dropped three of its last five games, but they remain competitive thanks to a young and power-driven lineup. The Pirates, on the other hand, snapped a five-game losing streak with Saturday’s victory, improving to 2-7 in their last nine contests.
This matchup is evenly split in recent history, with both teams showcasing streaks of offense followed by pitching duels. The key will likely come down to bullpen performance late in the game.
For more game previews and daily betting breakdowns, check the MLB picks section.
Key Players to Watch
- Nick Kurtz (Athletics): Rookie slugger with 33 homers, a cornerstone for Oakland’s offense.
- Shea Langeliers (Athletics): Provides middle-of-the-order power with 30 home runs.
- Bryan Reynolds (Pirates): Veteran outfielder capable of sparking the Pirates’ offense.
- Mike Burrows (Pirates): Enters with six consecutive starts allowing three runs or fewer.
Betting Trends
- The Athletics are 6-3 in their last nine road games.
- The Pirates are 2-7 in their last nine overall.
- The over is 4-1 in Oakland’s last five games against right-handed starters.
Late Game Projection Table
| Market | Line | Projection | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Athletics -108 / Pirates -112 | Pirates 5-4 | Pirates ML |
| Total Runs | 8.5 | 9 | Over 8.5 |
| Run Line | Pirates -1.5 (+160) | Pirates by 1 | Pass |
Playoff and Future Implications
Both franchises are out of contention, but there are silver linings. The Pirates are showcasing their young rotation, highlighted by Bubba Chandler’s growth and Mike Burrows’ consistency. For the Athletics, rookies like Kurtz and Morales are emerging as potential cornerstones.
This game serves as a glimpse into the future, with both teams testing young talent while hoping to close the season with momentum. Bettors can also compare numbers and betting angles at the MLB odds page.
Expert Angle
For bettors looking to go deeper into strategy, bankroll management, and situational betting, the MLB expert betting guide provides an extra edge. These resources highlight how to find value in late-season games like this one, where motivation and lineup experimentation play a huge role.
