MLB

Pirates vs Twins: July Clash

Can the Bucs halt their skid or will the Twin City keep humming?

Pittsburgh Pirates

Pirates (38-57) VS Twins (46-48)

13 Jul 2025 | 2:10 PM ET | Target Field, Minneapolis

Minnesota Twins
Moneyline Pick - Minnesota Twins (-140): B

Minnesota returns home in solid form with postseason urgency building, and they’ll send out a starter who’s historically handled Pittsburgh well. The Twins’ rotation has stabilized in recent weeks, and their right-handed-heavy lineup ranks among the league’s most productive against fastball-heavy arms. That spells potential trouble for the Pirates’ rookie starter, who’s navigating his first taste of interleague road action and inherits a difficult matchup in both setting and opposition. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, arrives on a downturn and without their top late-inning option, which could prove costly in a game where every margin matters. With the home side pushing to stay in Wild Card contention and the bullpen freshly reinforced, Minnesota holds both tactical and motivational edges.

From a betting standpoint, laying a modest price on the Twins makes sense, even with the Pirates’ starter flashing top-tier potential. The key lies in matchup trends—Minnesota's ability to elevate fastballs and their recent consistency at the plate. While the opposing rookie may flash brilliance in spurts, the broader setup tilts toward the more experienced and complete club. The bet isn’t without risk, but the context supports a lean toward the home team.

This prediction gets a B grade. Odds and availability subject to change. Follow Shurzy on Instagram and Tiktok for more expert picks.

This bet was made on 13/07/2025 at 9:33am

Over/Under Pick - Under 9, (-120): B

Sunday’s matinee in Minnesota features a compelling pitching matchup that should keep scoring in check. The Twins send out a reliable arm coming off consecutive quality starts, while the Pirates counter with a young fireballer showcasing elite velocity. Both lineups enter the game shorthanded, with key offensive pieces still sidelined due to injury, limiting their ability to capitalize on big moments. Minnesota is in the thick of the playoff chase and will likely lean on sharp situational execution, while Pittsburgh’s focus remains on player development. With both bullpens entering well-rested, managers can shorten the leash on starters and play matchups aggressively late.

This all shapes up as a classic under spot. The total at nine looks overly optimistic given the current offensive constraints and the quality on the mound. Run production will likely rely on stringing together singles rather than clearing fences, and that’s a tall task with depleted lineups and playoff-like intensity setting the tone. Expect a lot of pitch-to-contact sequences, defensive execution, and low scoreboard movement throughout.

This prediction gets a B grade. Odds and availability subject to change. Follow Shurzy on Instagram and Tiktok for more expert picks.

This bet was made on 13/07/2025 at 9:34am

Spread Pick - Pittsburgh Pirates, +1.5 (-178): B-

Pittsburgh heads to Minnesota looking to steady itself after a rough stretch, but recent betting trends suggest the Pirates are still hanging tough in tight games. Their run-line coverage has remained steady despite losses, and they now turn to a starter who has historically fared well against the Twins. Minnesota, while still within reach of the Wild Card, continues to navigate a thin roster due to key injuries. Their offense has lacked the spark typically provided by its speed threats, and the bullpen remains without one of its most trusted arms. As both teams hit the halfway point of the season, leverage is increasing, but so too is caution—particularly from a team like Minnesota trying to avoid slipups.

For bettors, this shapes up as a value spot on the run line. While Minnesota might take the win, the chances of a multi-run cushion seem slimmer given recent form, injuries, and the Pirates’ ability to stay close. With one team fighting for playoff position and the other battling through development pains, tight, late-inning decisions become more likely. At plus odds, backing the Pirates to stay within one feels like a calculated, worthwhile pick.

This prediction gets a B- grade. Odds and availability subject to change. Follow Shurzy on Instagram and Tiktok for more expert picks.

This bet was made on 13/07/2025 at 9:35am

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