Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers Face Pirates in Key NL Matchup: Pittsburgh Looks to Extend Home Win Streak – Game Preview & Prediction (Sept. 3, 2025)

Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates: Game Preview and Key Matchups

The Los Angeles Dodgers (78-60, first in the NL West) are set to face the Pittsburgh Pirates (62-77, fifth in the NL Central) at PNC Park on Wednesday, September 3, at 6:40 p.m. EDT. The Pirates are looking to extend their impressive five-game home winning streak as they take on a powerful Dodgers lineup.

Weather

Today at PNC Park, expect partly cloudy skies with a high around 75°F and a comfortable breeze from the west at 8-12 mph. Precipitation chances are minimal, making for excellent baseball conditions.

Pitching Probables

On the mound, the Dodgers will start Shohei Ohtani (1-1, 4.18 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 44 strikeouts), while the Pirates counter with Braxton Ashcraft (4-2, 2.58 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 48 strikeouts). The Dodgers are currently favored in the betting lines at -179, while the Pirates are set at +148. The over/under for the game is 8 runs.

Team Breakdown

The Pirates have been strong at home this season, posting a 40-30 record at PNC Park. Overall, they have a 62-77 record and have found success when their bats are hot, going 42-24 in games with eight or more hits. The Dodgers, meanwhile, have a 33-34 record on the road but remain a formidable opponent overall at 78-60. The Los Angeles lineup is second in Major League Baseball with 204 home runs, averaging 1.5 long balls per game.

This will be the fifth matchup between the Dodgers and Pirates this season, with the season series knotted at 2-2.

Top Performers

Oneil Cruz leads the Pirates with 19 home runs and a .393 slugging percentage. Over the last 10 games, Jared Triolo is hitting .382 (13 for 34) with four doubles, a triple, two home runs, and seven RBIs.

For the Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani leads with 46 home runs and a .610 slugging percentage. Andy Pages has also contributed, going 10 for 36 with three home runs and seven RBIs over the last 10 games.

Recent Performance

Over their last 10 games, the Pirates have posted a 7-3 record, hitting .248 as a team with a 2.89 ERA, and have outscored opponents by 18 runs. The Dodgers are 5-5 in their last 10 games, batting .223 with a 3.62 ERA and have outscored opponents by six runs.

Injury Report

The Pirates are currently without several key players: Ronny Simon (shoulder), Jack Suwinski (groin), Endy Rodriguez (elbow), Enmanuel Valdez (shoulder), Justin Lawrence (elbow), and Jared Jones (elbow).

The Dodgers also have a lengthy injury list: 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), and Gavin Stone (shoulder).

In Summary

Wednesday's matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates promises an exciting clash, with the Pirates riding a strong home streak and the Dodgers bringing power to the plate. Both teams feature standout performers and will rely on their respective starting pitchers to set the tone. With excellent weather at PNC Park and both teams fighting for momentum late in the season, this game could be pivotal for their playoff hopes.

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