The Pittsburgh Pirates (34-31) and Atlanta Braes (44-21) play the finale of their 3-game series Sunday at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia. First pitch is at 1:35 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze MLB odds around the Pirates vs. Braves odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Braves lead 2-0
After winning both of their series against the Braves last season, the Pirates are at risk of getting swept by them in their first series of 2026. 2B Nick Gonzales recorded a team-high 2 hits and 1 RBI for Pittsburgh in Saturday’s loss.
After a 6-3 in the opener, the Braves got another 6-3 win over the Pirates Saturday as -112 favorites with the Over (8) cashing. 2B Ozzie Albies and DH Dominic Smith each had 2 RBIs. Smith’s came on a 2-run home run in the bottom of a 3-run fifth inning that sealed the game for the Braves.
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Pirates at Braves projected starters
RHP Bubba Chandler vs. RHP Bryce Elder
Chandler (2-6, 4.89 ERA) makes his 13th start. He has a 1.52 WHIP, 6.0 BB/9 and 8.7 K/9 in 57 innings.
- Last start: Win, 5 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 3 K in a 10-6 road victory at Houston Astros Tuesday
- Career vs. Braves: 1-0 in 1 start, 5 2/3 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 0 BB, 6 K Sept. 27, 2025
- 2026 on road: 1-3, 4.54 ERA, (33 2/3 IP, 17 ER), 27 H, 23 BB, 35 K in 7 starts
Elder (5-3, 2.62 ERA) makes his 14th start. He has a 1.08 WHIP, 2.6 BB/9 and 7.7 K/9 in 78 2/3 innings.
- Last start: Win, 6 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 6 K in a 4-3 home victory vs. Toronto Blue Jays Tuesday
- Career vs. Pirates: 1-2, 5.00 ERA (18 IP, 10 ER), 1.00 WHIP, 11.0 K/9 in 3 starts
- 2026 at home: 3-1, 2.34 ERA, (50 IP, 13 ER), 43 H, 12 BB, 35 K in 8 starts
Pirates at Braves odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at at 12:28 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Pirates +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Braves -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Pirates +1.5 (-160) | Braves -1.5 (+135)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -118 | U: -102)
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Pirates at Braves picks and predictions
Prediction
Braves 6, Pirates 4
PASS.
The Braves (-150) have the starting pitching matchup advantage with Elder, but he has been knocked around a bit as of late, giving up 8 runs in his last 2 games. The Pirates (+125) have a potent offense, ranking fourth in the majors in runs scored and second in hits.
BET BRAVES (+135).
Chandler has also surrendered 8 runs over his last 2 outings. As good as Pittsburgh’s offense is, Atlanta’s is even better. The Braves rank second in runs scored and home runs, as well as third in batting average and hits.
BET OVER 8.5 (-118).
We know how strong each team’s offense is, and they have combined for 9 total runs in both games of this series. The Pirates are 9-1 in favor of the Over in their last 10 games, and Atlanta is 7-3.
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