The Pittsburgh Pirates (47-46) host the Atlanta Braves (53-38) to kick off Thursday’s MLB slate, with first pitch set for 12:35 p.m. ET at PNC Park. The Pirates opened the series with a 12-4 blowout win, but the NL East-leading Braves responded with a 3-0 shutout Wednesday to even the series and set up Thursday afternoon’s rubber match.
The Pirates entered the series on a two-game winning streak and extended it to three with Tuesday’s victory thanks to an offensive explosion, particularly from Ryan O’Hearn. The veteran slugger homered three times and drove in 10 runs, including a grand slam. Reigning 2025 NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes also tossed six strong innings, allowing just two earned runs in the win.
After dropping three straight games before Wednesday, including the series opener, the Braves bounced back with a shutout victory in Game 2. Pitching dominated on both sides for much of the game until Joey Bart gave Atlanta a 2-0 lead in the eighth inning with a two-run home run against his former team, which traded him just a few weeks ago. First-time All-Star Drake Baldwin added the Braves’ final run with an RBI single in the ninth.
Right-hander Bryce Elder is scheduled to make his 18th start of the season Thursday afternoon for Atlanta, bringing a 4.01 ERA into the matchup. The Pirates are expected to counter with veteran right-hander Mitch Keller, who enters the series finale with an ERA above 5.00.
Braves vs. Pirates Current Odds
The Braves have been the better team overall this season and enter Thursday as slight road favorites at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook. It’s also worth noting the relatively high total, with both starters carrying elevated ERAs into the matchup:
Braves vs. Pirates Predictions
There’s nothing quite like a little day baseball. Get your Thursday started with some MLB action at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook, and be sure to check out the Stats Hub for baseball betting insights, trends, and featured picks like the one below:
Pirates vs. Braves Best Bet: Mike Yastrzemski Over 0.5 Hits (-160)
Mike Yastrzemski is batting just .228 this season, but the veteran outfielder has started to heat up. After hitting .148 in June, Yastrzemski is batting .273 through his first eight games of July.
Yastrzemski enters Thursday’s series finale on a three-game hitting streak, including a double in Wednesday’s win over the Pirates. He has also recorded at least one hit in seven consecutive road games against NL Central opponents.
The pitching matchup is also favorable. The left-handed-hitting Yastrzemski will face Mitch Keller, who is allowing opponents to bat .283 against him from the left side this season.
- Pirates vs. Braves Player Prop Pick for July 9: Mike Yastrzemski Over 0.5 Hits (-160)
Top 5 Most-Bet Player Props for ATL-PIT
Matt Olson owns the most-bet player prop for Thursday afternoon’s rubber match as the All-Star first baseman continues to enjoy another outstanding season:
- Matt Olson – Home Runs Over 0.5
- Brandon Lowe – Home Runs Over 0.5
- Michael Harris II – To Record 1+ Hits
- Brandon Lowe – Hits Over 0.5
- Matt Olson – To Record 1+ Hits
Braves vs. Pirates Game Info
- š Where: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
- š Date: Thursday, July 9
- ā° First Pitch: 12:35 PM ET
- šŗš» TV/Streaming: MLB.TV
- ā¾ Probable Pitchers:
- Braves: Bryce Elder
- Pirates: Mitch Keller
More Ways to Bet
One swing can cash your ticket, but until then, Florida players can keep things interesting with Real Money Games powered by Past Motor Racing, only on Hard Rock Bet. Itās another way to stay engaged between plate appearances.
Referenced odds are subject to change.
Offered by the Seminole Tribe of Florida in FL. Offered by Seminole Hard Rock Digital, LLC, in all other states. Must be 21+ and physically present in AZ, CO, FL, IL, IN, MI, NJ, OH, TN or VA to play. Terms and conditions apply. Concerned about gambling? In FL, call 1-833-PLAYWISE. In IN, if you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-9-WITH-IT. In AZ, OH, & VA, call 1-800-MY-RESET.
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1ā800āGAMBLER (CO, IL, MI, NJ, TN)
