Pirates vs Angels

The Angels bring a slight uptick in form into this matchup buoyed by strong starting pitching and a returning veteran presence in the lineup. While a few injury concerns linger, the team has looked sharper at the plate recently, especially against right-handed pitching. On the flip side, the Pirates are enduring a rough stretch, both in the standings and statistically, struggling at the plate against left-handers and dealing with a thin bullpen. The travel west doesn’t help their case, nor does their starter’s history in Anaheim.

Honestly, with the way Los Angeles has been trending and how Pittsburgh just can’t seem to get right, laying the price here makes sense. The matchup lines up in the Angels’ favor on the mound and at the dish, and unless the Pirates flip a switch, this could be another rough night. Grade: B.

Pittsburgh heads into Orange County trying to stop the bleeding after getting swept by the Guardians, while Los Angeles carries slightly more momentum after winning the series against the Giants. The Pirates’ pitching staff is depleted, putting pressure on a bullpen that’s already seen heavy usage. Meanwhile, Los Angeles boasts a mostly healthy lineup and a favorable forecast that should aid hitters. The starting matchup tilts toward offense too, with both arms having checkered recent histories in interleague play.

Honestly, this feels like one of those games where the scoreboard starts lighting up early. Between shaky pitching depth and weather that’s more summer than spring, the over looks pretty appealing here—nine runs by the sixth doesn’t sound far-fetched. Grade: B+.

The Pirates may be spiraling, but they arrive in Anaheim with a veteran arm on the mound and a bullpen that has outperformed the Angels' relief corps in recent outings. While Los Angeles has struggled to find consistency at home, the Pirates have a few hot bats and a lineup eager to capitalize on a starter who’s been hittable in recent appearances. With some key Angels still banged up, the matchup leans toward being tighter than the records might suggest.

Honestly, this looks like a good spot to grab the run line. Even if Pittsburgh doesn’t grab the outright win, a one-run cushion feels like solid insurance. Given the matchup dynamics and recent bullpen trends, the value’s on the Bucs here. Grade: B.