Dodgers vs. Pirates Prediction, Odds, Start Time & Key Players for September 4, 2025 Matchup in Pittsburgh

Thursday, September 4th, 2025

Los Angeles Dodgers at Pittsburgh Pirates: Game Preview for September 4, 2025

The Los Angeles Dodgers (78-61, first in the NL West) travel to face the Pittsburgh Pirates (63-77, fifth in the NL Central) at PNC Park on Thursday at 6:40 p.m. EDT. The Dodgers are aiming to strengthen their hold on the NL West, while the Pirates look to extend their impressive home winning streak.

Pitching Matchup

The Dodgers will start Blake Snell (3-3, 2.41 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 38 strikeouts), while the Pirates counter with ace Paul Skenes (9-9, 2.05 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 187 strikeouts). This anticipated pitching duel should set the tone for a low-scoring affair, as the over/under is set at 7 runs. The Dodgers are slight favorites at -124, with the Pirates at +104.

Team Performance

Pittsburgh boasts a 41-30 home record and is currently enjoying a six-game winning streak at PNC Park. Their pitching staff has contributed to a fifth-best team ERA in the National League at 3.88. The Pirates lead the season series 3-2 over the Dodgers and are eager to strengthen their grip with another win at home.

The Dodgers have struggled slightly on the road (33-35) but remain a top contender with a .329 team on-base percentage, the fifth-highest in Major League Baseball. Their balanced lineup and reliable pitching have kept them in first place in the NL West.

Top Performers

For Pittsburgh, Bryan Reynolds leads with 34 doubles, three triples, and 15 home runs. Jared Triolo has been on a hot streak, going 11-for-34 with four doubles, a home run, and five RBI in the last 10 games.

The Dodgers are powered by Mookie Betts, who has 18 doubles, a triple, 14 home runs, and 60 RBI with a .250 average. Shohei Ohtani has gone 10-for-40 with three doubles and two home runs over his last 10 games.

Recent Form

The Pirates have an impressive 7-3 record over their last 10 games, batting .237 with a 2.79 ERA and outscoring their opponents by 17 runs. The Dodgers are 5-5 during the same stretch, hitting .227 with a 3.72 ERA and outscoring opponents by four runs.

Injuries

The Pirates are missing several players, including Ronny Simon (10-Day IL, shoulder), Jack Suwinski (10-Day IL, groin), Endy Rodriguez (60-Day IL, elbow), Enmanuel Valdez (60-Day IL, shoulder), Justin Lawrence (60-Day IL, elbow), and Jared Jones (60-Day IL, elbow).

The Dodgers’ injury list includes Will Smith (day-to-day, hand), Alex Vesia (15-Day IL, oblique), Max Muncy (10-Day IL, oblique), Brock Stewart (15-Day IL, shoulder), Tommy Edman (10-Day IL, ankle), Roki Sasaki (60-Day IL, shoulder), Tony Gonsolin (60-Day IL, elbow), Evan Phillips (60-Day IL, forearm), Kyle Hurt (60-Day IL, elbow), Michael Grove (60-Day IL, shoulder), Brusdar Graterol (60-Day IL, shoulder), River Ryan (60-Day IL, elbow), and Gavin Stone (60-Day IL, shoulder).

Weather

At PNC Park today, expect pleasant baseball weather with clear skies and a high near 76°F. There is little to no chance of precipitation, and winds will be light out of the northwest around 6 mph, making for comfortable playing and viewing conditions.

In summary

The Los Angeles Dodgers face the Pittsburgh Pirates in a crucial late-season matchup as both teams look to finish strong. With standout pitching from Blake Snell and Paul Skenes, and both teams featuring key offensive contributors, this game promises to be closely contested. Fans can look forward to great weather at PNC Park as the Pirates aim to keep their home win streak alive against a tough Dodgers squad, making this a can't-miss MLB showdown for both viewers and sports bettors alike.

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