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After a shootout victory on Friday, the Philadelphia Phillies can wrap up a sixth straight series win when they play the second of their three-game set with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
My Phillies vs. Pirates predictions and free MLB picks believe Philly has a distinct starting pitching advantage, which will prove the deciding factor on Saturday, May 16.
Who will win Phillies vs Pirates today: Phillies -1.5 (+100)
The Philadelphia Phillies send Cristopher Sanchez to the mound today, and he’s been lights-out in each of his last two starts.
Sanchez hasn’t allowed an earned run across 15 innings in wins over the Rockies and Athletics, surrendering only nine hits while striking out 17 against just one walk.
The Pittsburgh Pirates’ Bubba Chandler enters with a 4.62 ERA, with the Bucs winning just once in his last seven starts.
Philly has been hot in the last week, ranking fourth in runs and seventh in OPS. That, with Sanchez dealing, is a winning combo.
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COVERS INTEL:
Chandler will face MLB home run leader Kyle Schwarber for the first time in his career. Schwarber is mashing right-handed pitching at home this year, hitting .358 with a 1.094 SLG and a 1.563 OPS.
Phillies vs Pirates Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (-125)
Philadelphia’s 11-9 slugfest win in the opener is more the outlier than the norm. The Phillies had gone Under the total in four straight before cashing the Over last night.
The Under is also a noticeable trend in the head-to-head matchup between these teams, going 6-3-0 in the last nine matchups.
The Pirates have just had trouble putting up runs lately against the Phils, scoring two runs or fewer in four of the last six. With Sanchez dealing, there’s a good chance it'll be five of seven, keeping that total low.
Eric Rosales' 2026 Transparency Record
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ML/RL bets: 4-10, -2.28 units
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Over/Under bets: 7-9, +4.76 units
Phillies vs Pirates odds
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Moneyline: Phillies -156 | Pirates +150
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Run line: Phillies -1.5 | Pirates +1.5
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Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5
Phillies vs Pirates trend
Philadelphia has just four losses in its last 16 games. Find more MLB betting trends for Phillies vs. Pirates.
How to watch Phillies vs Pirates and game info
Location
PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
Date
Saturday, May 16, 2026
First pitch
4:05 p.m. ET
TV
NBC Sports Philadelphia, Sportsnet Pittsburgh
Phillies starting pitcher
Cristopher Sanchez
(4-2, 2.11 ERA)
Pirates starting pitcher
Bubba Chandler
(1-4, 4.62 ERA)
Phillies vs Pirates latest injuries
Phillies vs Pirates weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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