The Los Angeles Angels (54-88) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (70-73) wrap up a 3-game interleague series Sunday at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. First pitch is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. ET. Let's analyze MLB odds around the Angels vs. Pirates odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Tied 1-1
After a 1-0 loss Friday, the Angels (+154) roughed up the Pirates 6-1 Saturday as the Under (7.5) hung on, as Pittsburgh continues to struggle against left-handed starting pitchers. Angels SS Zach Neto ended up 3 for 5 with a run and RBI, while LF Wade Meckler finished 2 for 5 with 2 doubles, a run and 2 RBIs. Pirates LF Bryan Reynolds was the only bright spot, collecting 3 of the team's 8 hits, while adding a solo
home run.
L.A. pitching has been surprisingly decent lately, allowing just 1 run in 3 of the past 5 outings. The offense continues to struggle, however, allowing 47 runs in the past 14 games, or just 3.4 runs per game (RPG). The Under is 8-5-1 in the 14-game span. The Angels improved to 15-29 in interleague play with Saturday's win.
Pittsburgh is still 5-2 across the past 7 games despite Saturday's loss, and the Under is 3-0-1 in the past 4 games, and 10-2-1 across the previous 13 outings. Oddly enough, it won 13-12 against the San Francisco Giants, for an obvious Over result, in the most recent start by RHP Paul Skenes. He starts Sunday's contest.
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Angels at Pirates projected starters
RHP Walbert Urena vs. RHP Paul Skenes
Urena (9-9, 2.85 ERA) makes his 24th start (26th appearance). The rookie has a 1.26 WHIP, 4.7 BB/9, 8.8 K/9 in 123 1/3 innings.
- Last start: Win, 7 IP, 1 ER, 5 H (1 solo HR), 0 BB, 8 K in 10-1 home win vs. New York Yankees last Sunday
- Last 7 starts: 3-2, 3.00 ERA (36 IP, 12 ER), 1.14 WHIP, 17 BB, 37 K
- 2026 road splits (9 starts, 11 appearances): 1-7, 3.57 ERA (45 1/3 IP, 18 ER), 1.48 WHIP. 41 K
- Has never faced Pirates
Skenes (9-11, 3.97 ERA) makes his 29th start. He has a 1.16 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9, 10.8 K/9 in 149 2/3 innings.
- Last start: No-decision, 4 2/3 IP, 5 ER, 8 H, 1 HR, 3 BB, 4 K in 13-12 home win vs. Giants Tuesday
- Last 7 starts: 0-3, 5.77 ERA (34 1/3 IP, 22 ER), 1.54 WHIP, 18 BB, 41 K
- 2026 home splits (15 starts): 5-5, 3.94 ERA (82 1/3 IP, 36 ER), 1.13 WHIP, 8 HR, 23 BB, 108 K
- Has never faced Angels
Angels at Pirates odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:36 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Angels +164 (bet $100 to win $164) | Pirates -196 (bet $196 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Angels +1.5 (-137) | Pirates -1.5 (+114)
- Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Angels at Pirates picks and predictions
Prediction
Angels 4, Pirates 2
Moneyline
The ANGELS (+164) are a tremendous value in Sunday's interleague series finale behind the red-hot rookie Urena. The Pirates (-196) are way too expensive, costing nearly 2 times your potential return. You're paying for the Skenes name, even though he is ice-cold. Let's back the Angels rookie to keep up the good work.
Run line/Against the spread
If you're a bit careful, and need some insurance, ANGELS +1.5 (-137) is still not priced out of line. You never know when Skenes will snap back onto form, but he has struggled mightily lately, showing no signs of pulling out of his nosedive.
Over/Under
UNDER 7.5 (-112) is a solid play with Urena on the hill for the Angels. Believe it or not, the concern is actually on Skenes, who has a 5.77 ERA in his past 7 outings.
Betting odds calculator
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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Los Angeles Angels at Pittsburgh Pirates odds, picks and predictions
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