San Francisco Giants vs Pittsburgh Pirates Prediction – MLB Preview, Picks & Analysis

San Francisco Giants vs Pittsburgh Pirates Prediction - MLB Preview, Picks & Analysis

Giants vs. Pirates: A Comprehensive Preview of the August 4, 2025 Showdown

Introduction to the Matchup

As the 2025 MLB season enters its crucial stretch, the San Francisco Giants are set to face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates on August 4 at PNC Park. This game carries significant weight for both teams, albeit for different reasons. The Giants, currently sitting second in the National League West, are embroiled in a heated battle for a playoff spot, trailing the division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers by a mere three games. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Pirates, despite being out of playoff contention, are focused on playing spoiler and developing their young talent as they sit fourth in the National League Central.

Recent Performance

San Francisco Giants

Over their last ten games, the Giants have shown resilience and determination, achieving a respectable 7-3 record. This stretch includes a notable series win against the San Diego Padres, where they took three out of four games. Their recent success can be attributed to a combination of strong starting pitching and timely hitting. A standout moment came when they rallied from a four-run deficit to defeat the Arizona Diamondbacks, showcasing their grit and never-quit attitude. However, their three-game win streak was snapped in a close encounter with the Los Angeles Dodgers, emphasizing the need for sustained focus.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Conversely, the Pirates have struggled over their last ten games, recording a 3-7 mark. Despite the losses, they managed an impressive 5-2 victory against the Milwaukee Brewers, displaying flashes of potential. Key issues for the Pirates have been their inconsistent bullpen and lack of offensive firepower. A recent four-game losing streak was particularly disappointing, as the Pirates squandered leads in two of those games. Nevertheless, players such as Henry Davis have started to find their rhythm, providing a beacon of hope for the future.

Head-to-Head History

In the 2025 season series thus far, the Giants hold an edge with three wins out of five encounters against the Pirates. Historically, San Francisco has dominated this matchup, winning seven of the last ten meetings dating back to the 2024 season. This trend underscores the Giants’ ability to perform against Pittsburgh, though the unpredictable nature of baseball leaves room for surprises.

Pitching Matchups

San Francisco Giants

The Giants are set to start their ace, Logan Webb, who has been phenomenal this season. Webb boasts a 2.87 ERA, a WHIP of 1.05, and averages 9.1 strikeouts per nine innings. His recent outing against the Padres saw him go seven innings, giving up just one earned run while striking out eight. Despite a minor shoulder concern earlier in the season, Webb appears to be in peak form, which is worrisome for Pittsburgh hitters.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates will counter with Mitch Keller, who has been a bright spot amidst a challenging season. Keller holds a 3.54 ERA, a WHIP of 1.22, and averages 8.7 strikeouts per nine innings. In his last start, though he allowed three runs over six innings against the Chicago Cubs, he showcased his capability to limit damage and maintain composure. Keller has had no injury concerns this season, making him a reliable option for the Pirates.

Key Position-Player Matchups

San Francisco Giants

  1. Brandon Crawford: The veteran shortstop is hitting .278 with an OPS of .820, 15 home runs, and 55 RBIs. Known for his clutch performances, Crawford has a history of success against Keller, hitting .310 in their past encounters.

  2. Joc Pederson: The power-hitting outfielder is having a standout year with 27 home runs, a .265 batting average, and an OPS of .880. His ability to change the game with one swing makes him a threat in the lineup.

  3. Thairo Estrada: Estrada has been an on-base machine, boasting a .350 on-base percentage and 18 stolen bases. His proficiency at getting on base can catalyze the Giants’ offense.

Pittsburgh Pirates

  1. Henry Davis: The young catcher is emerging as a key piece for the Pirates, hitting .275 with a .790 OPS, 12 homers, and 48 RBIs. His recent form suggests a readiness to challenge Webb’s dominance.

  2. Ke’Bryan Hayes: Known for his defensive prowess, Hayes is also contributing at the plate with a .268 average, .760 OPS, and 14 homers. His ability to adjust against tough pitching will be crucial.

  3. Bryan Reynolds: A consistent performer, Reynolds has a .290 average, 20 home runs, and an OPS of .850. His matchup against Logan Webb will be pivotal for Pittsburgh’s chances.

Situational Factors

The game will take place at PNC Park, a venue known for its pitcher-friendly dimensions, particularly in the outfield. This factor may benefit both teams’ starters in containing the long ball. The weather forecast predicts mild temperatures around 75°F with a slight breeze, which shouldn’t significantly impact play.

Injury-wise, both teams are relatively healthy, with no major absences reported. However, the Giants will be cautious with their bullpen management, given previous overuse concerns.

Advanced Metrics

San Francisco Giants

  1. wRC+ (Weighted Runs Created Plus): The Giants have a team wRC+ of 110, indicating their lineup creates runs 10% better than the average MLB team.
  2. FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching): Logan Webb’s FIP of 2.95 highlights his efficiency in controlling outcomes that a pitcher can influence, reinforcing his strong ERA.

Pittsburgh Pirates

  1. WAR (Wins Above Replacement): Bryan Reynolds leads the Pirates with a 3.8 WAR, underscoring his value in contributing to wins.
  2. BABIP (Batting Average on Balls in Play): The Pirates’ team BABIP of .310 suggests that their batting average may not be fully reflective of their offensive production, pointing to potential underperformance.

Prediction and Confidence Level

Considering the analysis, the Giants appear to have the upper hand. Their recent form, combined with Logan Webb’s dominance and a balanced lineup, positions them well against a struggling Pirates team. However, the unpredictability of baseball and Keller’s solid form for the Pirates cannot be discounted.

Projected Final Score: Giants 5, Pirates 3

Confidence Level: I’m 70% confident the Giants will secure the victory, leveraging their momentum and superior depth to outmatch Pittsburgh in a competitive encounter.

Today MLB Pitcher Prop Bets Generator

Player NamePropPredictionLineTrendsLast 3 GamesWindTeamOddsDate
Austin GomberAustin Gomber
pitcher_earned_runsOver3.53.38Over Hit 2/3Good
Colorado RockiesColorado Rockies
-11008-02
Austin GomberAustin Gomber
pitcher_strikeoutsUnder2.52.75Under Hit 1/3Good
Colorado RockiesColorado Rockies
16308-02
Austin GomberAustin Gomber
pitcher_walksOver1.51.25Over Hit 2/3Good
Colorado RockiesColorado Rockies
14508-02
Bailey OberBailey Ober
pitcher_earned_runsOver2.53.18Over Hit 3/3Good
Minnesota TwinsMinnesota Twins
-10508-02
Bailey OberBailey Ober
pitcher_strikeoutsOver3.54.35Over Hit 3/3Good
Minnesota TwinsMinnesota Twins
-16008-02
Bailey OberBailey Ober
pitcher_walksUnder0.51.29Under Hit 2/3Good
Minnesota TwinsMinnesota Twins
15508-02
Blake SnellBlake Snell
pitcher_strikeoutsUnder4.52.0Under Hit 2/2Neutral
Los Angeles DodgersLos Angeles Dodgers
16308-02
Blake SnellBlake Snell
pitcher_walksOver1.54.0Over Hit 2/2Neutral
Los Angeles DodgersLos Angeles Dodgers
-18008-02
Brandon WoodruffBrandon Woodruff
pitcher_earned_runsUnder1.51.25Under Hit 1/3Neutral
Milwaukee BrewersMilwaukee Brewers
11008-02
Brandon WoodruffBrandon Woodruff
pitcher_strikeoutsOver5.57.25Over Hit 2/3Neutral
Milwaukee BrewersMilwaukee Brewers
-13008-02
Brandon WoodruffBrandon Woodruff
pitcher_walksUnder0.50.75Under Hit 2/3Neutral
Milwaukee BrewersMilwaukee Brewers
18508-02
Chase BurnsChase Burns
pitcher_earned_runsOver2.53.17Over Hit 2/3Neutral
Cincinnati RedsCincinnati Reds
12008-02
Chase BurnsChase Burns
pitcher_strikeoutsOver7.57.5Over Hit 3/3Neutral
Cincinnati RedsCincinnati Reds
11008-02
Chase BurnsChase Burns
pitcher_walksOver1.52.0Over Hit 2/3Neutral
Cincinnati RedsCincinnati Reds
-13008-02
Drew RasmussenDrew Rasmussen
pitcher_earned_runsUnder2.51.57Under Hit 3/3Neutral
Tampa Bay RaysTampa Bay Rays
-16508-02
Drew RasmussenDrew Rasmussen
pitcher_strikeoutsUnder3.54.14Under Hit 1/3Neutral
Tampa Bay RaysTampa Bay Rays
15008-02
Drew RasmussenDrew Rasmussen
pitcher_walksUnder1.51.19Under Hit 2/3Neutral
Tampa Bay RaysTampa Bay Rays
-18008-02
Jake IrvinJake Irvin
pitcher_earned_runsOver2.53.0Over Hit 1/3Neutral
Washington NationalsWashington Nationals
-14508-02
Jake IrvinJake Irvin
pitcher_strikeoutsUnder3.53.91Under Hit 2/3Neutral
Washington NationalsWashington Nationals
11508-02
Jake IrvinJake Irvin
pitcher_walksOver1.51.86Over Hit 1/3Neutral
Washington NationalsWashington Nationals
-15008-02
Jt GinnJt Ginn
pitcher_earned_runsUnder2.51.46Under Hit 3/3Neutral
Oakland AthleticsOakland Athletics
-13008-02
Jt GinnJt Ginn
pitcher_strikeoutsUnder4.53.62Under Hit 3/3Neutral
Oakland AthleticsOakland Athletics
10008-02
Jt GinnJt Ginn
pitcher_walksUnder1.50.77Under Hit 3/3Neutral
Oakland AthleticsOakland Athletics
10008-02
Kodai SengaKodai Senga
pitcher_earned_runsOver1.51.19Over Hit 2/3Good
New York MetsNew York Mets
-15508-02
Kodai SengaKodai Senga
pitcher_strikeoutsUnder4.55.12Under Hit 2/3Good
New York MetsNew York Mets
26508-02
Kodai SengaKodai Senga
pitcher_walksOver2.52.56Over Hit 2/3Good
New York MetsNew York Mets
12508-02
Kyle HendricksKyle Hendricks
pitcher_earned_runsOver2.52.8Over Hit 2/3Neutral
Los Angeles AngelsLos Angeles Angels
10008-02
Kyle HendricksKyle Hendricks
pitcher_strikeoutsUnder3.53.5Under Hit 3/3Neutral
Los Angeles AngelsLos Angeles Angels
-15008-02
Kyle HendricksKyle Hendricks
pitcher_walksUnder1.51.3Under Hit 3/3Neutral
Los Angeles AngelsLos Angeles Angels
-19008-02
Luis CastilloLuis Castillo
pitcher_earned_runsUnder2.52.12Under Hit 2/3Neutral
Seattle MarinersSeattle Mariners
-16508-02
Luis CastilloLuis Castillo
pitcher_strikeoutsUnder4.54.83Under Hit 1/3Neutral
Seattle MarinersSeattle Mariners
16008-02
Max ScherzerMax Scherzer
pitcher_earned_runsOver1.52.71Over Hit 3/3Neutral
Toronto Blue JaysToronto Blue Jays
-18008-02
Max ScherzerMax Scherzer
pitcher_strikeoutsUnder4.55.57Under Hit 1/3Neutral
Toronto Blue JaysToronto Blue Jays
18008-02
Max ScherzerMax Scherzer
pitcher_walksUnder1.51.14Under Hit 3/3Neutral
Toronto Blue JaysToronto Blue Jays
-16508-02
Michael McGreevyMichael McGreevy
pitcher_earned_runsOver2.53.0Over Hit 2/3Neutral
St. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis Cardinals
-13508-02
Michael McGreevyMichael McGreevy
pitcher_strikeoutsUnder2.53.17Under Hit 3/3Neutral
St. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis Cardinals
12408-02
Michael McGreevyMichael McGreevy
pitcher_walksUnder1.50.83Under Hit 2/3Neutral
St. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis Cardinals
-14008-02
Noah CameronNoah Cameron
pitcher_earned_runsUnder2.51.57Under Hit 2/3Neutral
Kansas City RoyalsKansas City Royals
-16008-02
Noah CameronNoah Cameron
pitcher_strikeoutsUnder2.55.07Under Hit 0/3Neutral
Kansas City RoyalsKansas City Royals
29008-02
Noah CameronNoah Cameron
pitcher_walksUnder1.51.64Under Hit 2/3Neutral
Kansas City RoyalsKansas City Royals
-13008-02
Paul SkenesPaul Skenes
pitcher_earned_runsUnder1.51.23Under Hit 2/3Good
Pittsburgh PiratesPittsburgh Pirates
12508-02
Paul SkenesPaul Skenes
pitcher_strikeoutsUnder5.56.64Under Hit 0/3Good
Pittsburgh PiratesPittsburgh Pirates
17008-02
Paul SkenesPaul Skenes
pitcher_walksUnder0.51.45Under Hit 1/3Good
Pittsburgh PiratesPittsburgh Pirates
16508-02
Randy VasquezRandy Vasquez
pitcher_earned_runsUnder2.52.0Under Hit 3/3Neutral
San Diego PadresSan Diego Padres
-14008-02
Randy VasquezRandy Vasquez
pitcher_strikeoutsUnder2.52.48Under Hit 3/3Neutral
San Diego PadresSan Diego Padres
12208-02
Randy VasquezRandy Vasquez
pitcher_walksOver1.52.29Over Hit 1/3Neutral
San Diego PadresSan Diego Padres
10008-02
Spencer StriderSpencer Strider
pitcher_earned_runsOver1.52.29Over Hit 2/3Neutral
Atlanta BravesAtlanta Braves
-17008-02
Spencer StriderSpencer Strider
pitcher_strikeoutsOver6.56.57Over Hit 2/3Neutral
Atlanta BravesAtlanta Braves
-18008-02
Spencer StriderSpencer Strider
pitcher_walksOver1.52.29Over Hit 3/3Neutral
Atlanta BravesAtlanta Braves
-15508-02
Tanner BibeeTanner Bibee
pitcher_earned_runsOver1.52.81Over Hit 3/3Good
Cleveland GuardiansCleveland Guardians
-16008-02
Tanner BibeeTanner Bibee
pitcher_strikeoutsUnder5.55.1Under Hit 2/3Good
Cleveland GuardiansCleveland Guardians
-11008-02
Tanner BibeeTanner Bibee
pitcher_walksUnder1.51.57Under Hit 2/3Good
Cleveland GuardiansCleveland Guardians
10008-02
Tarik SkubalTarik Skubal
pitcher_earned_runsUnder1.51.48Under Hit 2/3Neutral
Detroit TigersDetroit Tigers
10008-02
Tarik SkubalTarik Skubal
pitcher_strikeoutsUnder6.58.14Under Hit 1/3Neutral
Detroit TigersDetroit Tigers
20508-02
Tarik SkubalTarik Skubal
pitcher_walksUnder0.50.9Under Hit 1/3Neutral
Detroit TigersDetroit Tigers
17508-02
Tomoyuki SuganoTomoyuki Sugano
pitcher_earned_runsOver2.52.65Over Hit 2/3Good
Baltimore OriolesBaltimore Orioles
-14508-02
Tomoyuki SuganoTomoyuki Sugano
pitcher_strikeoutsUnder2.53.55Under Hit 1/3Good
Baltimore OriolesBaltimore Orioles
23008-02
Tomoyuki SuganoTomoyuki Sugano
pitcher_walksOver1.51.4Over Hit 3/3Good
Baltimore OriolesBaltimore Orioles
-15008-02
Walker BuehlerWalker Buehler
pitcher_earned_runsOver2.53.17Over Hit 2/3Bad
Boston Red SoxBoston Red Sox
-13008-02
Walker BuehlerWalker Buehler
pitcher_strikeoutsUnder2.53.94Under Hit 1/3Bad
Boston Red SoxBoston Red Sox
23008-02
Walker BuehlerWalker Buehler
pitcher_walksOver2.52.28Over Hit 2/3Bad
Boston Red SoxBoston Red Sox
15008-02
Zac GallenZac Gallen
pitcher_earned_runsOver2.53.59Over Hit 3/3Neutral
Arizona DiamondbacksArizona Diamondbacks
-15508-02
Zac GallenZac Gallen
pitcher_strikeoutsUnder5.55.5Under Hit 2/3Neutral
Arizona DiamondbacksArizona Diamondbacks
-11508-02
Zac GallenZac Gallen
pitcher_walksOver1.52.14Over Hit 1/3Neutral
Arizona DiamondbacksArizona Diamondbacks
-15508-02
Zack WheelerZack Wheeler
pitcher_earned_runsOver1.51.81Over Hit 3/3Neutral
Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia Phillies
-13508-02
Zack WheelerZack Wheeler
pitcher_strikeoutsUnder6.58.19Under Hit 1/3Neutral
Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia Phillies
23008-02
Zack WheelerZack Wheeler
pitcher_walksUnder1.51.33Under Hit 2/3Neutral
Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia Phillies
-17008-02

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