Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates: Kershaw Faces Mlodzinski in NL Showdown – September 2, 2025 Game Preview

Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates: Series Opener at PNC Park

The Los Angeles Dodgers take on the Pittsburgh Pirates in the opener of a three-game series at PNC Park on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, with first pitch scheduled for 6:40 p.m. EDT. The Dodgers, currently leading the NL West at 78-59, face a Pirates squad holding a 61-77 record and sitting fifth in the NL Central.

Weather

Today at PNC Park, expect pleasant baseball weather with temperatures near 75°F under partly cloudy skies. There's little chance of precipitation, and light winds around 5 mph will have minimal impact on play. Conditions should be ideal for fans and players alike.

Pitching Matchup

The Dodgers will send veteran left-hander Clayton Kershaw (9-2, 3.06 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 58 strikeouts) to the mound. The Pirates counter with right-hander Carmen Mlodzinski (3-7, 3.86 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 74 strikeouts). Oddsmakers currently favor the Dodgers at -182, with the Pirates at +151 and the over/under set at 8.5 runs.

Team Records and Stats

Pittsburgh enters the series with a strong 39-30 home record but has struggled when surrendering home runs, going just 21-54 in such games this season. Los Angeles has an even 33-33 record on the road, with a .252 team batting average—seventh-best in Major League Baseball. This will be the fourth meeting between the two clubs this season.

Recent Form

Over their last 10 games, the Pirates are hot, winning seven and posting a .261 team batting average with a 2.17 ERA, outscoring their opponents by 25 runs. The Dodgers have gone 6-4 in their last 10, hitting .225 with a 3.17 ERA and outscoring opponents by 12.

Top Performers

For Pittsburgh, Bryan Reynolds has provided consistency at the plate, boasting 34 doubles, three triples, and 14 home runs. In the past 10 contests, Jared Triolo has caught fire, collecting 13 hits in 34 at-bats with two doubles, a triple, two home runs, and five RBIs.

Freddie Freeman leads the Dodgers with a .300 batting average, 36 doubles, one triple, and 18 home runs. Mookie Betts has been productive over the last 10 games, going 12-for-35 with a homer and two RBIs.

Injury Report

Pirates: Ronny Simon (shoulder), Jack Suwinski (groin), Endy Rodriguez (elbow), Enmanuel Valdez (shoulder), Justin Lawrence (elbow), Jared Jones (elbow) are on the injured list.
Dodgers: Alex Vesia (oblique), Max Muncy (oblique), Brock Stewart (shoulder), Tommy Edman (ankle), Roki Sasaki (shoulder), Tony Gonsolin (elbow), Evan Phillips (forearm), Kyle Hurt (elbow), Michael Grove (shoulder), Brusdar Graterol (shoulder), River Ryan (elbow), Gavin Stone (shoulder) are all on the IL.

In summary

The Los Angeles Dodgers, leaders of the NL West, begin a key road series against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. With stars like Clayton Kershaw and Freddie Freeman, and the Pirates bolstered by Bryan Reynolds and Jared Triolo, this matchup promises an exciting contest for fans. Pleasant weather conditions should create the perfect atmosphere for baseball as both teams look to start September with a victory. Stay updated on team performances, top players, pitching matchups, and the impact of injuries as the Dodgers and Pirates battle in Pittsburgh.

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