Washington Nationals vs Pittsburgh Pirates Picks and Predictions September 12th 2025

Washington Nationals vs Pittsburgh Pirates September 12th 2025

The Pittsburgh Pirates will play against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. The game is scheduled for Friday, September 12, 2025, at 6:45 PM. The Pirates have a record of 64-83 and are on a six-game losing streak. They are currently ranked 5th in the NL Central.

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The Nationals have a 60-86 record and are also 5th in their division, the NL East. They have lost their last two games but have a 7-3 record in their last 10 games. The weather forecast for the game is a clear sky with a light breeze, making for pleasant conditions at the outdoor field.

Pirates vs Nationals Key Information

• Sport: Baseball
• Teams: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Washington Nationals
• Venue: Nationals Park in Washington, DC
• Date: Friday, September 12, 2025
• Betting Odds:
  • Pirates Moneyline: -109
  • Nationals Moneyline: -110
  • Pirates Runline: -1.5 (+155)
  • Nationals Runline: +1.5 (-190)
  • Total Over: 8.0 (-111)
  • Total Under: 8.0 (-110)

Pittsburgh Pirates vs Washington Nationals Picks and Predictions

The Pittsburgh Pirates head to Washington looking to snap a six-game skid when they open a weekend series against the Washington Nationals. Both teams sit at the bottom of their divisions, but with strong arms on the mound Friday, this matchup could still deliver tight, competitive baseball.

The Pirates Can Win If…

Pittsburgh is coming off a 3-2 loss to Baltimore, their third straight one-run defeat. Johan Oviedo pitched well with five strikeouts, while Alexander Canario provided the lone spark offensively with a home run.

The Pirates have relied on pitching to stay competitive, ranking 11th in team ERA (3.87) and sixth in batting average against (.237). Veteran Andrew McCutchen leads the offense with 13 homers, while Mitch Keller (6-14, 4.16 ERA) gets the start. Keller has allowed just four runs across his last three outings, giving Pittsburgh a chance to end its losing streak if he continues that form.

Pirates Snapshot

The Nationals Can Win If…

Washington dropped a 5-0 game to Miami but has shown they can explode offensively, as seen in their 15-7 win over the Marlins earlier this week. They sit seventh in MLB in doubles and rely on Josh Bell’s 20 homers to power the lineup.

Rookie starter Brad Lord (5-8, 4.20 ERA) gets the nod, coming off his best performance of the year with seven strikeouts against the Cubs. If he keeps attacking the zone and mixing pitches effectively, the Nationals’ offense should have enough to challenge Keller and the Pirates.

Nationals Snapshot

Key Matchups and Betting Outlook

The duel between Mitch Keller’s steady arm and Brad Lord’s newfound confidence sets the tone. Pittsburgh has struggled to hit with runners in scoring position, while Washington’s power has been streaky but dangerous.

Oddsmakers list this game nearly even, with Pittsburgh at -109 and Washington at -110. The total sits at 8.0 runs. Check the live MLB odds board for updated lines, as late movement could create value.

Series History and Context

The Nationals won the April matchup behind timely hitting, while Keller took the loss despite a solid outing. Pittsburgh enters this series desperate to stop its six-game losing streak, while Washington returns home after a solid 4-3 road trip. The Pirates need their bullpen to back up Keller, while the Nationals look to use their doubles-heavy approach to keep pressure on.

Picks and Predictions

Projection: Pirates 5, Nationals 4. With Keller in form and Pittsburgh’s pitching advantage, the Pirates are the lean on the moneyline. The total projection lands at nine runs, nudging toward the over 8.0 (-111).

For more projections and daily analysis, check the expert MLB picks hub.