The brooms are out and waiting as the Los Angeles Dodgers (-257) hope to complete a sweep over the Pittsburgh Pirates (+245) in Sunday's series finale.
Blake Snell gives the Boys in Blue a substantial pitching advantage, so I'm eyeing the run line with my Pirates vs. Dodgers predictions and MLB picks for Sunday, August 23.
Who will win Pirates vs Dodgers today: Dodgers -1.5 (-121)
When he's healthy, Blake Snell is among the best to do it. With a 116 Stuff+, 2.16 xERA, and 22.2% K-BB%, Snell is back in peak form and gives the Los Angeles Dodgers a massive advantage on the bump.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have struggled to hit left-handed pitching all year, and they have a measly 73 wRC+ against southpaws this month.
On the flip side, opener Lake Bachar makes way for Carmen Mlodzinski, who has an unsavory 6.95 ERA and 1.77 WHIP since the All-Star break. L.A. will put up a crooked number, so I'd play their run line up to -130.
COVERS INTEL: Pittsburgh has the fourth-highest SwStr% (11.9%) and the third-highest K% (28.3%) against lefties this month, which is a concern against Blake Snell (16.7% SwStr%).
Pirates vs Dodgers Over/Under pick: Over 8.5 (-112)
There's expected to be an uptick in runs scored given the pristine weather conditions for the offense: temps in the mid-90s and winds of 6-10 mph blowing out to right-center.
Mlodzinki's second-percentile xBA (.295) and second-percentile hard-hit rate (47.7%) are massive red flags. L.A. has a league-best .264 xBA against RHP, and those hits will turn into loud contact given the weather. An offensive explosion is imminent.
While Snell has been dominant, he's likely capped at 90 pitches. L.A.'s bullpen has routinely fumbled the bag, so it wouldn't be a surprise if the visitors score a few late runs. I'd play this to -120.
Pirates vs Dodgers home run prediction: Freddie Freeman (+442)
Mlodzinski has been bashed by left-handed hitters (.285/.352/.447 splits, seven home runs), so I'm targeting a left-handed Dodger, especially with the wind blowing out to their pull side.
Freddie Freeman hits righties well (147 wRC+) and sees an uptick in his power (.185 ISO). We're getting a good price since he's been in a cold stretch, but this is a perfect opportunity to send one flying over the fence.
The veteran has tremendous numbers against splitters (7.1 runs above average per 100 pitches) and four-seamers (1.8) from righties, Mlodzinski's two most frequently thrown offerings to lefties.
- ML/RL bets: 30-35, -9.7 units
- Over/Under bets: 39-27, +9.9 units
Pirates vs Dodgers weather
Expect an uptick in offense given the hot temperatures and 10 mph wind blowing out.
Pirates vs Dodgers odds
- Moneyline: Pirates +245 | Dodgers -257
- Run line: Pirates +1.5 (+113) | Dodgers -1.5 (-117)
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 (+113) | Under 8.5 (-117)
Pirates vs Dodgers trend
The Pirates are 0-3 on the run line in Carmen Mlodzinski's last three games. Find more MLB betting trends for Pirates vs. Dodgers.
How to watch Pirates vs Dodgers and game info
| Location | Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date | Sunday, August 23, 2026 |
| First pitch | 4:10 p.m. ET |
| TV | SportsNet Pittsburgh, SportsNet Los Angeles |
| Pirates starting pitcher | Lake Bachar (1-2, 3.75 ERA) |
| Dodgers starting pitcher | Blake Snell (1-1, 3.60 ERA) |
Pirates vs Dodgers latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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