The Boston Red Sox head into tonight's series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates as the -127 moneyline favorites behind left-hander Jake Bennett. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET at PNC Park.
While Bubba Chandler has pitched well, my Red Sox vs Pirates predictions are backing Bennett to outduel the right-hander.
Find more in my MLB picks for Friday, August 14.
Who will win Red Sox vs Pirates today: Red Sox (-126)
Jake Bennett has been brilliant for the Boston Red Sox this season, posting a 3.21 xERA over his last five appearances while allowing just 0.62 HR/9 and limiting walks.
He has also held opponents to a 3.2% barrel rate over the last month, which matters against a Pittsburgh Pirates lineup that struggles badly against lefties. Pittsburgh owns an 89 wRC+ versus southpaws compared to an 111 mark vs. righties.
Bubba Chandler is in good form with a 2.65 FIP across his previous two outings, but the hurler's 5.91 xERA and 43.3% hard-hit rate during that span show vulnerability. With Boston carrying a 125 wRC+ over its last 13 games, the Red Sox hold the edge.
Play this pick up to -140.
COVERS INTEL: The Red Sox have been swining better on the road, posting a 105 wRC+ compared to a 93 mark at Fenway Park. That gives Boston another matchup advantage against Chandler tonight. 
Red Sox vs Pirates Over/Under pick: Over 8.5 (+109)
The total is too low, and I’m targeting the Over. Boston’s offense has a 106 wRC+ over the last week, and although the power hasn’t been there, the Red Sox have still averaged nearly five runs per game during that span.
Pittsburgh’s lineup is also in decent form, posting a 107 wRC+ over its previous six contests while averaging nearly the same number of runs. Offense may be harder to find against Bennett and a Red Sox bullpen with a 2.78 xERA over its last 60 frames, but the Pirates may not need to do too much if Boston produces.
There’s vulnerability once Chandler exits, with Pittsburgh’s relief corps owning a 4.47 FIP lately.
Play this pick up to -130.
Red Sox vs Pirates home run prediction: Wilyer Abreu (+388)
Wilyer Abreu is smashing baseballs recently. The slugger has logged five home runs in his last 12 games while posting a .415 ISO. Abreu also owns a 56.3% hard-hit rate and 12.1% barrel rate over the last week.
He’s consistently getting lift on the baseball, with a 20-degree launch angle during that span and a 50% fly-ball rate, and that matters here. While Chandler doesn’t give up a ton of fly balls, the Bucs’ bullpen has posted a 42.4% fly-ball rate over the last week while surrendering 1.14 HR/9.
Play this pick down to +300.
- ML/RL bets: 50-60, -17.47 units
- Over/Under bets: 61-46, +7.84 units
Red Sox vs Pirates weather
Weather at PNC Park looks clean tonight, with partly cloudy skies early before clearer conditions around first pitch. Temperatures should fall from 78°F to 74°F, winds are light around 3–5 mph, and rain chances stay low.
Overall, weather should be fairly neutral with no real delay concern or major scoring boost.
Red Sox vs Pirates odds
- Moneyline: Red Sox -127 | Pirates +122
- Run line: Red Sox -1.5 (+133) | Pirates +1.5 (-138)
- Over/Under: Over 7.5 (-108) | Under 7.5 (+104)
Red Sox vs Pirates trend
The Boston Red Sox have cashed the moneyline in 23 of their last 35 away games (+10.25 units for a 24% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Red Sox vs. Pirates.
How to watch Red Sox vs Pirates and game info
| Location | PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA |
| Date | Friday, Aug. 14, 2026 |
| First pitch | 6:40 p.m. ET |
| TV | NESN, SportsNet Pittsburgh |
| Red Sox starting pitcher | Jake Bennett (7-5, 3.17 ERA) |
| Pirates starting pitcher | Bubba Chandler (5-8, 4.26 ERA) |
Red Sox vs Pirates latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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