The Philadelphia Phillies (62-34) and Pittsburgh Pirates (48-48) return from the All-Star break to open a 3-game series Friday. First pitch from PNC Park is set for 6:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s'lines around the Phillies vs. Pirates odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Tied 2-2
Philadelphia was overwhelmed 18-3 by the Oakland Athletics Sunday while failing to cover as a -229 home favorite. The Phillies lost 2 of their last 3 games and have allowed at least 6 runs in 4 of their last 5 losses, the lone outlier being a 5-1 loss vs. Atlanta.
Pittsburgh beat the Chicago White Sox 9-4 Sunday while covering as a -152 road favorite. The Pirates won 4 straight going into the break and have eclipsed the 6-run mark in back-to-back outings.