The Tampa Bay Rays and Pittsburgh Pirates continue a three-game set this afternoon at PNC Park, with first pitch scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET.
With Paul Skenes on the hill, my Rays vs. Pirates predictions are eyeing Pittsburgh to win another one here.
Read more for my MLB picks for Saturday, April 18.
Who will win Rays vs Pirates today: Pirates moneyline (-165)
The Pittsburgh Pirates turn to ace Paul Skenes today. While he hasn’t had the greatest start to the campaign, the right-hander still has a 4.00 ERA through four starts, compiling a 3-1 record. He’s struck out 18 in 18 innings while walking seven batters.
Skenes has gotten an average of 9.5 runs of support when he takes the mound, hence the impressive record. Skenes has held this Tampa Bay Rays lineup to a .161 average across 31 at-bats in his career.
Pittsburgh won’t have it easy against Drew Rasmussen, but their offense has scored 12 runs across their last two games, and they always turn up when Skenes takes the hill.
Even if it’s low-scoring, the Pirates will win this contest behind their ace.
COVERS INTEL: Skenes has been dominant at home in 2026, posting a 1.46 ERA across two starts in 12.1 innings of work.
Rays vs Pirates Over/Under pick: Under 7.5 (-120)
Both of these teams rank in the top 10 in MLB in runs scored, but we’re looking at a true pitcher’s duel at PNC Park. Skenes is a beast on home turf, and he’s had success against Tampa in the past.
Rasmussen is also dealing this year. He has a 1.13 ERA across three outings, with opponents hitting just .138. Both pitchers consistently pound the strike zone, and there’s not a ton of hard contact coming off either of them.
The Under cashed in the series opener, and it’s also hit in the last four meetings dating back to last season.
- ML/RL bets: 6-2, +1.71 units
- Over/Under bets: 7-1, +5.19 units
Rays vs Pirates odds
- Moneyline: Rays +115 | Pirates -127
- Run line: Rays +1.5 (-150) | Pirates -1.5 (+130)
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-120) | Under 6.5 (+100)
Rays vs Pirates trend
The Pittsburgh Pirates have hit the Moneyline in 30 of their last 50 games at home (+8.45 Units / 13% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Rays vs. Pirates.
How to watch Rays vs Pirates and game info
| Location | PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA |
| Date | Saturday, April 18, 2026 |
| First pitch | 4:05 p.m. ET |
| TV | Rays.TV, SportsNet Pittsburgh |
| Rays starting pitcher | Drew Rasmussen (1-0, 1.13 ERA) |
| Pirates starting pitcher | Paul Skenes (3-1, 4.00 ERA) |
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Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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