Pittsburgh Pirates vs Philadelphia Phillies June 7th 2025
The Philadelphia Phillies travel to PNC Park to play the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday, June 7, 2025. The game starts at 4:05 PM and will be shown on NSPPH. Fans can expect a mild afternoon with scattered clouds and a light breeze.
The Phillies, led by manager Rob Thomson, have a record of 37-26. They sit 2 games behind in the NL East. The Pirates, managed by Don Kelly, have a record of 24-40 and are 15 games back in the NL Central. Ranger Suárez will start for the Phillies, while Andrew Heaney takes the mound for the Pirates.
Phillies vs Pirates Key Information
- Sport: Baseball
- Teams: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
- Venue: PNC Park in Pittsburgh, PA
- Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025
- Betting Odds: Phillies MoneyLine -177, Pirates MoneyLine +148
The Phillies Can Win If…
The Philadelphia Phillies recently played against the Pittsburgh Pirates, losing 4-5. Trea Turner had a strong performance, going 3 for 5 with 2 runs and 2 RBIs. Despite the loss, the Phillies showed their ability to score, with seven hits and three extra-base hits.
The Phillies have a solid batting lineup, with a team batting average of .254, ranking 6th in the league. Their on-base percentage is also impressive at .330, placing them 5th. Key players like Kyle Schwarber, who has 19 home runs, can make a big impact.
Ranger Suárez will start for the Phillies, holding an impressive ERA of 2.73. His strong pitching could be a game-changer. With a combination of strong hitters and reliable pitching, the Phillies have a good chance to win their next game.
The Pirates Can Win If…
The Pittsburgh Pirates are coming off a 5-4 win against the Philadelphia Phillies. Henry Davis and Bryan Reynolds each hit a home run, contributing to the team’s 11 hits. Bailey Falter started for the Pirates, allowing 4 runs over 3 2/3 innings, but the bullpen held strong to secure the victory.
One reason the Pirates can win is their ability to steal bases. They rank 3rd in the league with 61 stolen bases. This speed on the bases can put pressure on opposing defenses and create scoring opportunities.
Andrew Heaney will start for the Pirates, bringing a 3.39 ERA into the game. Heaney’s ability to limit home runs, with only 1 allowed in his last start, could be key against the Phillies. If Heaney can keep the ball in the park, the Pirates have a good chance to succeed.
The Lean
The Phillies are favored with a moneyline of -177 against the Pirates at +148. Given the Phillies’ better batting stats, including a .254 average and a .330 on-base percentage, they have the edge. My model projects the Phillies to win with a score of 5-3.
The over/under line is set at 8.0. The Phillies’ pitching ranks 21st in ERA, while the Pirates’ pitching ranks 16th, suggesting a modest scoring game. My model predicts a total score of 8, so the recommendation is to take the under.
Left-Handed Showdown in Pittsburgh
Philadelphia heads to Pittsburgh for Game 2 of their three-game set, as Ranger Suarez (4–0, 2.72 ERA) takes the mound against Andrew Heaney (3–4, 3.39 ERA) on Saturday afternoon. Both southpaws have been pivotal this season, and you can review our full MLB previews for a breakdown of each team’s strengths and weaknesses.
Early Season Rematch
When Suarez and Heaney first met on May 16, Suarez spun seven innings, allowing three runs on six hits with six strikeouts in an 8–4 Phillies win. Heaney went five innings in that outing, giving up one run on four hits with two strikeouts and earning a no-decision. That performance underscores Suarez’s ability to handle quality left-handed lineups.
Rotation Challenges and Bullpen Strategies
Friday’s bullpen start resulted in a 5–4 walk-off loss, putting added pressure on Suarez to stabilize the rotation. Since returning from a lower back injury on May 4, he’s surrendered just one earned run over 19⅔ innings. The Phillies will lean on his efficiency while their relief corps navigates late-game situations.
Bryce Harper’s Status and Lineup Adjustments
Philadelphia played without Bryce Harper on Friday as he nurses right wrist soreness, a lingering issue since being hit by a Spencer Strider fastball on May 27. Manager Rob Thomson described Harper’s condition as day-to-day. His ability to return will be a key factor in the Phillies’ lineup balance.
Pirates’ Turnaround Under Don Kelly
After replacing Derek Shelton with Don Kelly on May 8, Pittsburgh has gone 12–14, including a 6–6 mark in one-run games. That improvement highlights Kelly’s impact, and the Pirates will look to build momentum in front of their home crowd.
Nick Gonzales Ignites the Offense
Back from a broken ankle, Nick Gonzales delivered a walk-off sacrifice fly in the ninth inning on Friday, lifting Pittsburgh to a 5–4 victory. His resurgence provides a boost to an offense that has struggled for consistency this year.
Betting Angles and Handicapping Resources
For those sizing up this matchup, check our latest MLB picks and explore the expert betting guide for strategy insights. If you’re ready to pull the trigger, buy picks from leading analysts and follow the top performers on our handicappers leaderboard.