The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Atlanta Braves will play in the second game of a three-game series on Saturday. This matchup may lack postseason implications, but there is still plenty to watch. The Braves head into the matchup as home favorites, while Pittsburgh looks for a second win in a row over Atlanta. Before the action begins from Atlanta, continue reading to get my Pirates vs Braves prediction.
Our Pirates vs Braves Pick
- Pick: Braves to win
- Confidence: ★★★★☆
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Pittsburgh Pirates vs Atlanta Braves
- Date & Time: Saturday, September 27, 2025, 7:15 PM ET
- Starting Pitchers: Spencer Strider (ATL) vs Bubba Chandler (PIT)
- Stadium: Truist Park, Atlanta, GA
- Broadcast: FDSSO and SportsNet PT
Key Storylines
Pitching matchup
Spencer Strider will take the mound for Atlanta, carrying a 7-13 record this season with a 4.45 ERA. He has battled inconsistency but has shown flashes of dominance, especially in stretches where he limits hard contact and leans on his slider and curve. The Braves will hope for one of those nights where he is on top of his game here.
Bubba Chandler will make the start for Pittsburgh. He’s compiled a 3-1 record with a 4.56 ERA this season. Chandler is relatively untested against this Braves lineup, which gives the home side something to work with. The key for Chandler will be limiting walks and keeping his pitch count manageable against experienced hitters like Acuña and Olson.
Recent team streaks
- The Braves have lost two games in a row coming into this contest at home.
- Pittsburgh has won five of their last six games entering Saturday’s play.
Betting Trends & H2H
- The Pirates hold a 3-1 lead in their season series against the Braves.
- Three of the four games between these teams this season have been decided by one run.
- Pittsburgh is 26-53 on the road this season.
- Atlanta has a 38-41 record at home for the year.
Pirates vs Braves Model Projection
Score Projection: Pittsburgh 4 – Atlanta 5
Win Probability: Pittsburgh 46%, Atlanta 54%
Final Thoughts
This game feels like Atlanta’s best shot to get a win in this series, backed by Strider against a young, inexperienced starter in Chandler. Pittsburgh’s offense has shown signs of life, and Horwitz in particular is dangerous against the Braves. But the Braves’ ability to produce multi-run innings and Strider’s higher upside give them the edge. I like the Braves to win this game outright and I lean toward the over in what should be an entertaining game from Atlanta.