Pirates vs. Phillies Prediction
Which surprising Pennsylvania team will continue their early season success when the Philadelphia Phillies host the Pittsburgh Pirates at 7:05PM ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
951 Pittsburgh Pirates at 952 Philadelphia Phillies
Thursday, April 19, 2018
7:05PM ET, Citizens Bank Stadium
TV: NSPA, ATPT
Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at YouWager, this game is considered even, as both teams are getting a money line of -105 to prevail. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 7 runs. Currently, 62% of the wagers are going on the Phillies at home today. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our MLB Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Phillies return home
The Phillies ended a six-game road trip midweek against the Braves and they went 4-2 over the six games. Overall, Philly has won seven of its last nine to move to 10-7 on the season. They are also 5-1 at home. The Phillies are putting up 5.18 runs per game while allowing 4.00 per contest.
Jake Arrieta is getting the call for the Phillies today. He is 1-0 through two starts this season. Over 10.2 innings of work, Arrieta has allowed four earned runs, four walks and he has tallied six strikeouts. His ERA is currently 3.38 while his WHIP is 1.31.
Pittsburgh falling back?
The Pirates started the season fast but have lost four of their last eight games, including two of three to the Rockies at home this week. The Pirates are now 12-6 overall and 7-2 on the road. The Pirates are averaging 5.50 runs per game while allowing 4.33 per contest.
Jameson Taillon gets his fourth start today. He is off to a 2-0 start through three appearances with a 0.89 ERA and a 0.69 WHIP. Over 20.1 innings of work, Taillon has allowed just five runs and two runs with 18 strikeouts.
MLB Betting Trends
Pittsburgh
The Pirates have won nine of their last 11 road games and they also have won Taillon’s last four road starts and his last seven starts against NL East opponents.
Philadelphia
The Phillies have won six of their last seven at home and seven of their last nine following a loss. However, they are 3-8 in their last 11 Thursday games.
Prediction:
Philadelphia has been on a nice run as of late, but I think the Pirates have the edge tonight. Taillon is pitching very well and I think he will have another strong pitching performance against the Phillies. I don’t feel like Arrieta is at his best right now and that will be a problem against a team putting up a lot of runs.
The Pick: Pittsburgh Pirates -105