Giants vs. Pirates Sunday Prediction
The Pittsburgh Pirates will go for the sweep on Sunday when they wrap up their home series against the struggling San Francisco Giants. Are the Bucs a good bet to finish the sweep or will the suddenly hapless Giants awake from their week-long slumber?
Game Snapshot & Odds
955 San Francisco Giants (+133) at 956 Pittsburgh Pirates (-143); 8.5 runs
Sunday, May 13, 2018
1:35 p.m. ET, PNC Park
TV: SF (NBCSBA); PIT (ATTP)
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Public Betting Trends
Oddsmakers from online sportsbooks currently list the Pirates as a -143 favorite. As of this writing, 72% of the betting tickets wagered at online sportsbooks are on the Pirates to beat the Giants on the moneyline. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our MLB Public Betting Page for updated figures on this game.
Giants’ Holland struggles in last start vs. Phillies
Derek Holland allowed three runs on six hits and two walks over five frames in Tuesday’s loss to the Phillies. Holland served up a pair of longballs, although they were both solo shots. The left-hander has struck out close to a batter per inning this season, but he hasn’t gone beyond five innings in his last three starts and his ERA now sits at 5.66. Holland surely wouldn’t be in the rotation anymore if the Giants were healthy, but they’re not so he’ll get the ball again in Pittsburgh on Sunday.
Pirates’ Nova roughed up in last start
Ivan Nova lasted just two innings Tuesday, yielding five runs against the White Sox but escaping with a no-decision in the Pirates’ 10-6 win. Nova needed a whopping 51 pitches two get through the first inning, as he gave up four hits – including a home run – and two walks in the frame. He surrendered two more hits and a run in the second and manager Clint Hurdle decided that was enough. Nova had a 3.32 ERA after eight scoreless innings against the Tigers on April 26, but his ERA now sits at 4.84 after he was knocked around his last two times out.
MLB Betting Trends
San Francisco
The Giants are 6-2 in their last eight games against the Pirates in Pittsburgh despite losing their last two games at PNC Park.
Pittsburgh
The over is 4-1 in the last five meetings between these two teams.
Prediction:
I’m going to roll the dice on the Giants here. Neither of these starters has pitched well of late and while Nova has okay numbers against the current Giants roster, I have a hunch they’re due. The Pirates are 1-4 in Nova’s last five starts coming off four days of rest and I have a feeling the Giants win for the first time all week.
The Pick: San Francisco Giants +133