The Twins (64-59, 35-25 home) host the Pirates (54-68, 25-36 away) in game two of this interleague series. Getting the start for the Twins is Sonny Gray while the Pirates are turning to Mitch Keller. Read on to get my best bet for this Minnesota Twins vs. Pittsburgh Pirates matchup.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES VS MINNESOTA TWINS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Pittsburgh Pirates +1.5 Runs

This game will be played at Target Field at 7:10 ET on Saturday, August 19th.

WHY BET THE PITTSBURGH PIRATES:

  • Against the runline, the Twins have gone just 4-6 in their last ten home games.
  • In their last ten games as the underdog, the Pirates have put together a runline record of 6-4.
  • The Twins’ are just 11-13 in Sonny Gray’s 24 starts.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES LOOKING FOR UPSET AS ROAD UNDERDOGS

Heading into today’s game, the Pirates are 4th in the NL Central on an overall record of 54-68. So far, they have played in 39 series, and are below .500 at 12-22-5. This season, the Pirates are 29-32 at home and 25-36 on the road.

Mitch Keller takes the mound for the Pittsburgh Pirates with a 9-8 record this season. In 25 appearances, he has posted a 4.27 ERA and 9.68 K/9, along with a 3.86 FIP and .305 OBP.

The Pirates emerged victorious in the last game Mitch Keller pitched, defeating the Reds 4-2. Despite a quality start from Keller, who pitched six innings and allowed one earned run, he was not awarded the win and finished with a no-decision.

The Pirates have been one of the top power lineups in the league of late, having hit 12 home runs over their last ten games. Compared to other clubs, this is 7th best in that span. For the season, they are ranked 23rd in home runs and 23rd in slugging percentage. Overall, Pittsburgh is averaging 4.1 runs per game (21st).

Jack Suwinski has been a major contributor to the Pirates’ offensive success in 2023, leading the team with 21 home runs and 54 RBIs. His slugging percentage of .450 is indicative of his power at the plate.

WILL THE MINNESOTA TWINS TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS AT HOME?

Throughout the season, the Twins have taken advantage of playing at home, posting a series record of 10-6 at Target Field. Their overall record of 64-59 puts Minnesota 1st in the AL Central. Against the runline, their overall record is 58-65 and 26-34 at home. This year’s Twins’ games have an over/under record of 56-60.

Twins starter Sonny Gray has a 6-5 record in 24 appearances this season. His ERA stands at 3.04, with a K/9 of 9.24, FIP of 2.78, and OBP of .292.

Sonny Gray earned the win in his most recent start, a 3-0 shutout of the Phillies. The right-hander tossed six frames of two-hit ball, notching a quality start in the process.

For the season, the Twins’ offense is averaging 4.4 runs per game. Over their last five games they have swung the bats well, sitting 6th in the league in scoring, with a total of 28 runs. Overall, Minnesota’s team batting average is .239, putting them 16th in the MLB.

Over the Twins’ last ten games, Joey Gallo has been a powerful presence in the lineup, leading the team with three home runs. His season-long total now stands at 20 long balls, though his batting average remains at .185.