Oakland Athletics vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Prediction, Odds, Preview: MLB Game on September 21, 2025

Sunday, September 21st, 2025

Athletics vs. Pittsburgh Pirates: Key Game Preview

The Oakland Athletics (73-82, fourth in the AL West) face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates (66-89, fifth in the NL Central) at PNC Park on Sunday at 1:35 p.m. EDT. With both teams aiming to finish their seasons on a strong note, Sunday's matchup will decide the winner of this three-game series.

Pitching Probables

The Athletics are set to start Mitch Spence (3-5, 4.48 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 64 strikeouts), while the Pirates counter with Mike Burrows (2-4, 4.10 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 94 strikeouts). Betters see the Pirates as narrow favorites at -112, compared to Athletics at -107, with the over/under set at 8.5 runs.

Team Performance

Pittsburgh has a 66-89 overall record and is 43-37 at home. The Pirates excel when they score at least five runs, holding a 35-9 record in such games.

The Athletics enter with a 73-82 record and are split at 40-40 on the road. Like the Pirates, they thrive offensively, standing at 52-18 when producing five or more runs. This is the third meeting between the two teams this season.

Top Performers

For the Pirates, Oneil Cruz stands out with 18 doubles, three triples, 19 home runs and 57 RBI. Recently, Spencer Horwitz has gone 8-for-29 with three doubles and two home runs in the last 10 games.

The Athletics feature Nick Kurtz leading the charge with 33 home runs and a .615 slugging percentage. Jacob Wilson has also contributed, batting 13-for-38 with four doubles, a home run, and three RBI over his last 10 games.

Recent Form

The Pirates have struggled over their last 10 games, posting a 2-8 record with a .195 team batting average and 3.21 ERA, being outscored by 10 runs. In contrast, the Athletics are playing well, going 7-3 in their last 10 games, batting .244 with a 2.83 ERA, and outscoring opponents by eight runs.

Injury Report

Pirates: Ronny Simon (shoulder, 10-Day IL), Endy Rodriguez (elbow, 60-Day IL), Enmanuel Valdez (shoulder, 60-Day IL), Jared Jones (elbow, 60-Day IL).

Athletics: Sean Newcomb (elbow, 15-Day IL), Zack Gelof (shoulder, 10-Day IL), Ben Bowden (lat, 60-Day IL), Joey Estes (back, 15-Day IL), Jacob Lopez (flexor, 15-Day IL), Jack Perkins (shoulder, 15-Day IL), Austin Wynns (abdomen, 60-Day IL), Denzel Clarke (abductor, 10-Day IL), Grant Holman (shoulder, 60-Day IL), Gunnar Hoglund (hip, 60-Day IL), Jose Leclerc (shoulder, 60-Day IL), Luis Medina (elbow, 60-Day IL).

Weather

Today at PNC Park, expect pleasant baseball weather with a high near 72°F under mostly sunny skies. There is virtually no chance of precipitation, so rain delays are unlikely. Winds will be light at 6-8 mph out of the west, offering minimal impact on play. Enjoy comfortable conditions for the game.

In summary

The Athletics vs. Pirates matchup promises competitive baseball, with both teams displaying their offensive strengths when scoring five or more runs. The Pirates look to capitalize at home behind Mike Burrows, while the Athletics seek to continue their recent momentum with Mitch Spence on the mound. Expect an entertaining contest under ideal conditions at PNC Park as these clubs aim to close their series strong.

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