The first matchup of a three-game series involves the San Diego Padres (13-7) traveling to take on the Pittsburgh Pirates (8-11) on Friday evening. San Diego is currently on a three-game win streak and will look to extend that in this matchup. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh is hoping to snap its three-game losing streak. Yu Darvish (1-1, 4.43 ERA) is starting for San Diego, while Zach Thompson (0-2, 10.80 ERA) is on the hill for Pittsburgh.
First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m. ET. Caesars Sportsbook lists San Diego as the -180 favorite (risk $180 to win $100) in the latest Padres vs. Pirates odds. The over-under for total runs is set at 7.5. Before making any Pirates vs. Padres picks, you need to see the MLB predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's advanced computer simulation model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every MLB game 10,000 times and it is off to a sizzling start to the 2022 season. It's on a 25-11 roll on top-rated MLB money-line picks through three weeks, returning almost $1,100 for $100 players. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Padres vs. Pirates, and just locked in its picks and MLB predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Now, here are several MLB odds and betting lines for Pirates vs. Padres:
- Padres vs. Pirates moneyline: San Diego -180, Pittsburgh +160
- Padres vs. Pirates run-line: San Diego -1.5 (-105)
- Padres vs. Pirates over-under: 7.5 runs
- SD: Padres are 6-0 in their last six games as favorites
- PIT: Under is 5-0-1 in Pirates' last six games following a loss
Why you should back the Padres
Left fielder Jurickson Profar is a great athlete who has good power, speed and plate discipline. Profar can spray the baseball all over the field and is leading the team in home runs (5) and RBI (15). On April 27, the 29-year-old went 1-for-3 with two runs scored and a three-run home run. Profar has a direct and compact swing.
Darvish has a terrific arm and delivery with the ability to dominate on the mound. The five-time All-Star has an array of pitches and can rack up strikeouts. Darvish is 1-1 with an ERA of 4.43 with 20 strikeouts. In his last start, the 35-year-old threw six scoreless innings with one hit and seven strikeouts.
Why you should back the Pirates
Third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes is a stellar defender with quick instincts and reads. Hayes has a strong arm and throws the ball with velocity across the diamond. The 25-year-old has an aggressive approach in the box and consistently hits for contact. Hayes is leading the team in batting average (.328), hits (20) with five RBIs. On April 26, he went 3-for-3 with two runs scored, an RBI and a double.
Second baseman Michael Chavis is a pure hitter who has solid home-run power. Chavis has a smooth swing with the ability to drive in runs. The 26-year-old currently has a batting average of .271 with two homers and eight runs batted in. In his last contest, Chavis went 1-for-4 with a double and a run scored.
How to make Pirates vs. Padres picks
SportsLine's model is leaning over on the run total, projecting 8.9 combined runs. It also says one side of the money line has all the value. You can only get the model's MLB picks at SportsLine.
So who wins Padres vs. Pirates? And which side has all the value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its MLB picks, and find out.
